Martin O’Neill has yet to confirm his final squad for Saturday’s game, but the FAI have dropped a hint about the inclusion of two players.
Dundalk duo Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle were last week named in the 35-man provisional squad for the World Cup qualifier against Austria in Vienna.
Unbelievable news as Martin O'Neill names his 35-man squad https://t.co/dBUuaEY0eT
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 2, 2016
However, players such as Chris Forrester, currently impressing with Peterborough United in League One, have been named in provisional squads before, only to omitted when the final 23 was confirmed.
So while Horgan and Boyle have had brilliant seasons, impressing in Dundalk’s European games, and as the club defended the league title, many felt that the pair would be cut from the final squad for the Austria game in favour of players O’Neill has used more frequently in the past.
"I'm very excited and hopefully I can make the 23-man squad and go from there if possible" https://t.co/fY6skWr0b3
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 3, 2016
That may still occur, as the Ireland manager has yet to confirm his squad, but this sign points to the Dundalk pair potentially making the final squad.
If not, they will certainly be training with the team this week, as the FAI have tweeted a photo of the pair’s training gear as the squad begin their preparations.
The kit is ready for the two new arrivals.. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/wNLjfqBCKF
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 7, 2016
Their involvement with the squad this week is undoubted reward for their excellent performances over the past year, and will go someway to helping them get over the heartbreak of losing the FAI Cup final to Cork City in the final minute of extra-time on Sunday.
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