Martin O'Neill: Call-up to help Sean Maguire feel comfortable when he finally makes international debut

O'Neill had previously resisted the clamour to include Maguire but says he's seen "a bit more of him now".

Martin O'Neill will give striker Sean Maguire the chance to prove he is ready for international football after calling him up to the senior squad for the first time.

The 23-year-old, who joined Sky Bet Championship Preston from Cork City last month, has been touted as a possible new face for several months with Robbie Keane's retirement from international football having left a gap which is yet to be plugged.