McStay and Kendrick get chance to impress for U-21’s against Bulgaria

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-21 manager Don Givens has been forced to make two changes to his squad for Tuesday’s clash with Bulgaria at United Park, Drogheda (kick-off 7:30).

Captain Stephen Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephen Brennan (Newcastle United) and Stephen Paisley (Longford Town) have all had to withdraw, opening the door for Henry McStay (Leeds United) and Joe Kendrick (Darlington).

McStay is called in as a replacement right back, having impressed at U-19 and U-21 levels in the Madeira International Tournament.

Born in Armagh, McStay previously represented Northern Irish Schools.

Kendrick was an unused substitute when the Republic of Ireland U-21s beat Switzerland last year though injuries meant that he has not received a call-up since.

Now back in England after a season with German side 1860 Munich, Kendrick is keen to add to his caps that he won at U-16, U-18 and U-20 levels.

Givens tried to call Borussia Dortmund left back Patrick Kohlmann into the squad though the player has been ruled out by injury, but he is hoping to add a third player to the squad over the weekend.

Squad: Henderson (Aston Villa), Murphy (Swansea City), McStay (Leeds United), McCarthy (Man City), Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Capper (Scarborough), Foley (Luton Town), Flood (Man City), Potter (Liverpool), Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday), Thornton (Sunderland), Kearney (Cork City), Doyle (Cork City), Elliott (Sunderland), Tabb (Brentford), McGeady (Celtic), Kendrick (Darlington), Mulligan (Wolves).