Grant and Mandroiu among five League of Ireland players selected for Ireland under-21 showdown

Bohemians duo Danny Mandroiu and Danny Grant lead the League of Ireland contingent in the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for the Euro 2021 qualifiers with Iceland and Luxembourg.

Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty, Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales and Dundalk full-back Darragh Leahy have also been selected by manager Jim Crawford for the must-win double header.

Striker Troy Parrott is among those recalled to the side after withdrawing from the senior squad for last month’s play-off with Slovakia through injury.

The Dubliner’s return is welcome news for Crawford, whose side drew a blank in front of goal in last month’s damaging 2-0 defeat to group leaders Italy in Pisa.

Arsenal defender Mark McGuinness, who is loan with Ipswich Town, has been called up for the first time after breaking into the side at Portman Road.

Uncapped quartet McGinty (Rovers), Luca Connell (Celtic), Anthony Scully (Lincoln City) and Josh Kayode (Rotherham United, on loan at Carlisle United) are also included.

Ireland face fellow play-off contenders Iceland at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, November 15^th before travelling to face Luxembourg three days later.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers)

Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Conor Masterson (Queens Park Rangers), Mark McGuinness (Ipswich Town, on loan from Arsenal), Danny McNamara (St Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham, on loan from Southampton), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers)

Midfielders: Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Luca Connell (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians), Connor Ronan (Grasshopper Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Anthony Scully (Lincoln City), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)

Attackers: Jonathan Afolabi (Dundee, on loan from Celtic), Zack Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Danny Grant (Bohemians), Joshua Kayode (Carlisle United, on loan from Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Millwall, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier - Group 1

15/11 - Republic of Ireland v Iceland, Tallaght Stadium, 12.30pm (Live on eir Sport)

18/11 - Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Beggen, 4.30pm (Irish time)