Seani Maguire among uncapped trio named in Republic of Ireland squad

A shortage of strikers has paved the way for the inclusion of three uncapped players in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Moldova and Wales.

 

Sean Maguire, Scott Hogan and Aiden O'Brien have made the cut as the provisional squad was trimmed down from 32 to 30.

 

The former Cork City man has scored twice in 10 appearances since his move to Preston.

 

Hogan netted 14 goals in 25 games for Brentford last season before joining Aston Villa - where he has yet to score in the league this season.

 

The recently retired Kevin Doyle and the injured Kieran Westwood are the two to miss out.

 

James McCarthy makes the cut despite his injury issues. The midfielder has been out of action and has yet to play in the Premier Legaue this season.

 

His inclusion could start yet another war of words between the manager of his country and his club.

 

Koeman was unimpressed when McCarthy was drafted into the provisional squad saying: “I expect that from every player, not only McCarthy,” he said. “What I expect from every Everton player is don’t take risks when it’s not necessary.

 

“When it’s the last game of the season, if it’s a play-off game for the season then everybody understands it’s difficult for the player as you stuck in the middle between your country and your football club.

 

“But still we pay all the salaries to the players. What I expect from the player is always a good communication between them and our medical staff.

 

“If they call James for the Irish national team, then he needs to go because that is a FIFA rule.

 

“But his situation I heard from our doctor is that he can be part of the team for training this Friday. But his last game was in July. I think that answers the question.”

 

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Colin Doyle (Bradford City)

Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Sunderland), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McCarthy (Everton), David Meyler (Hull City), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Jonathan Hayes (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Daryl Horgan (Preston North End)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Nottingham Forest), David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall)