Ryan Manning and Caoimhin Kelleher called up to 39-man provisional squad for November internationals

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has called up QPR defender Ryan Manning and Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of his side’s crucial November internationals.

The Boys in Green face New Zealand in a friendly on November 14th, before facing Denmark in a crunch Group D EURO 2020 Qualifier on November 18.

Despite suspension for the Danish clash, captain Seamus Coleman will link up with the squad as Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick returns from injury.

Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi and Kieran Sadlier have also seen call-ups to the provisional squads, as Darren Randolph is rated doubtful for the international break.    

“This is a huge month for us, and these are two very different games,” Mick McCarthy said at his press conference on Tuesday afternoon.  

“The New Zealand game is a chance to have a look at the players who are fighting to be in the team and some of the players fighting to be in the squad.

“We saw how beneficial it was to change things up for the recent Bulgaria friendly and we may well do that again against New Zealand.

“It could be the perfect opportunity to have a look at Troy Parrott for example and see how he makes the step-up to senior international football after impressing so many people at underage level with Ireland and Spurs.

“We know what we have to do against Denmark, and we will look to the tried and the trusted to win that game but who knows what will happen against New Zealand. Maybe someone will take their chance in that match and give me something to think about.”

McCarthy added; “As we said on Monday, Darren (Randolph) is hopeful that he will be fit for Denmark and he has time on his side,” added McCarthy.



“We have to plan for all eventualities, however. There is a chance that Caoimhin could play for Liverpool against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday while Keiren got back into the Wednesday team against Leeds last weekend and we will watch him against Blackburn this Saturday.”

Provisional Ireland squad v New Zealand and Denmark

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Kieran O’Hara (Burton Albion, on loan from Manchester United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolves), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), John Egan (Sheffield United), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Kevin Long (Burnley), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers), Ryan Manning (QPR), Nathan Collins (Stoke City).

Midfielders: Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic, on loan from West Ham United), Glenn Whelan (Hearts), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McClean (Stoke City), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers).

Forwards: Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Aidan O’Brien (Millwall), Kieran Sadlier (Doncaster Rovers), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Shane Long (Southampton), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Hogan (Stoke City, on loan from Aston Villa).