New-look squad for U-21 test

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21 manager Don Givens has selected a new-look 18-man squad for the friendly International away to Luxembourg, on Wednesday in the Stade Fr Trausch, Mamer.

Givens is building for the future, having seen several of his previous squad become over age after their European Championship qualification campaign ended in September following the 1-0 defeat against Belgium.

The manager has called up a number of players involved with Ireland’s Under-19 team last season, including Ian Morris (Scunthorpe United), James O’Brien (Glasgow Celtic) and Shane Long (Reading). Also in are Joe O’Cearuill (Arsenal) and Michael O’Connor (Crewe), both of whom recently declared for Ireland.

Givens has already been forced to call up three changes to his original panel. James Hand of Huddersfield Town replaces Birmingham City defender Marcos Painter, while Tony Kane (Blackburn) comes in for the unavailable Keith Keane of Luton Town. James O’Brien (Celtic) replaces Ipswich Town striker Billy Clarke.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21 SQUAD: D Quigley (UCD), D Randolph (Charlton Athletic), T Kane (Blackburn Rovers), J O’Cearuill (Arsenal), J Hand (Huddersfield Town), D O’Dea (Glasgow Celtic), P Cregg (Falkirk), D Gibson (Royal Antwerp), G Dicker (UCD), J Paul Kelly (Bohemians), I Morris (Scunthorpe United), A Keogh (Scunthorpe United), A Stokes (Falkirk), J O’Brien (Glasgow Celtic), S Long (Reading), M O’Connor (Crewe Alexandra), D Stapleton (Unattached) , R Keogh (Bristol City).