World Cup: Crowe drafted into Ireland squad

Bohemians striker Glen Crowe has been called up to the Irish squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Estonia following the withdrawal of Gareth Farrelly.

Bolton's opening goalscorer in yesterday's First Division Play-Off Final win over Preston has decided not to travel to join the Irish squad.

A League of Ireland player has not played in a full international for the Republic in 15 years.

The last League of Ireland player to line out for Ireland in a full international faced a nation that no longer exists.

Pat Byrne of Shamrock Rovers played for Ireland against Czechoslovakia in the Reykjavic Tournament, which Jack Charlton's men eventually won.

The last time a League of Ireland player made the domestic squad was when Shelbourne sharp-shooter Stephen Geoghegan was in the party that travelled to Skopje to play Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier - and lost 3-2.