Mark Sykes drafted into Ireland squad as Keane and Hogan drop out

The Belfast native has featured 19 times for Bristol City since joining the Championship club in the summer from Oxford United.

Mark Sykes during a Republic of Ireland training session at the Aviva Stadium on Monday. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Uncapped attacking midfielder Mark Sykes has been drafted into the Ireland squad after Will Keane and Scott Hogan withdrew due to injury.

Manager Stephen Kenny last week named a 26-man squad for the friendlies against Norway at Aviva Stadium on Thursday (7.45pm) and Malta away on Sunday (7pm, Irish time).