Staunton Gambles on Cork City midfielder

Joe Gamble has received a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the tour of the US later this month.

Steve Staunton's side will play Ecuador in New York on May 23 and Bolivia in Boston on May 26.

Gamble was called into the Irish squad before but has yet to play for the senior team.

After impressing at the Ireland training camp in Portugal last year, the City midfielder was rewarded with a place on the Republic of Ireland B team that played Scotland last November.

Gamble will link up with former Cork City stars Kevin Doyle and Shane Long who are also travelling to the States.

Staunton said the matches were an opportunity for players to press for places in Euro 2008 fixtures.

"It will give me and the management team a chance to look at these players up close and it will also give them valuable international experience," said the Republic boss.