Martin O’Neill has named his 27-man panel for Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland and next week’s friendly against the USA.
There is a pair of surprise new faces, in the form of unheralded defender Cyrus Christie of Derby County and Ipswich Town striker David McGoldrick, with both more likely to win their debuts in next Tuesday’s Aviva Stadium run-out against Jurgen Klinsmann’s American outfit.
Of more immediate concern is the trip to Glasgow, with Marc Wilson missing out with a torn hamstring he picked up during Sunday’s win for Stoke at Tottenham. James McCarthy also suffered a hamstring injury in Everton’s draw with Sunderland, but the midfielder will travel to Dublin to be fully assessed by the Irish medical staff before a decision on his availability is made. With Glenn Whelan also absent, O’Neill could be forced into a major rethink of his midfield plans.
Robbie Keane captains the squad and will arrive in Malahide in fine spirits after his superb display for the LA Galaxy last night.
