Rising star Rory Finneran handed senior Ireland call-up

Joel Bagan and Kasey McAteer have both withdrawn from the initial squad.

GREEN SHOOTS: Then Republic of Ireland head coach Colin O'Brien issues instructions to Rory Finneran during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match against Panama. Pic: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Newcastle United’s rising star Rory Finneran has been added to Ireland’s squad for the training camp in Spain and friendly against Grenada on Saturday week.

English-born Finneran captained Ireland at last year’s U17 World Cup and is highly regarded by Newcastle, who coaxed him from Blackburn Rovers. A fee between the club has still not been agreed 22 months after the move.

Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Ipswich Town winger Kasey McAteer have both withdrawn from the initial squad, bringing the squad number to 20.

Another player, potentially Tottenham Hotspur’s Mason Melia, will be added to the panel following the weekend series of matches.

Jaden Umeh’s involvement with Benfica this weekend has delayed his arrival into camp until Sunday night.

Heimir Hallgrímsson is using this gathering to offer opportunities to fringe players ahead of the competitive action resuming in September with the start of the Uefa Nations League campaign.

Another squad, with limited duplication, will be unveiled by the Icelander for the other two summer friendlies, at home to Qatar on May 28 and away to Canada on June 5.

Republic of Ireland Squad - Grenada International Friendly 

Goalkeepers: Max O'Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Josh Keeley (Luton Town), Killian Cahill (Leyton Orient) Defenders: Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Eiran Cashin (Blackburn Rovers - loan), James Abankwah (Watford), Mark McGuinness (Sheffield United), Tayo Adaramola (Sheffield Wednesday - loan).

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Andrew Moran (Preston North End), Rory Finneran (Newcastle United).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Swansea City), Tom Cannon (Sheffield United), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United - loan), Millenic Alli (Portsmouth), Jack Moylan (Lincoln City), Aidomo Emakhu (Oxford United), Jaden Umeh (Benfica).

Fixture - International Friendly Ireland v Grenada, Estadio Nueva Condomina, Saturday, May 16 (5pm Irish, 6pm local).