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Soccer

McCarthy set to give Byrne and O'Connor gametime

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrn...



McCarthy set to give Byrne and...
Soccer

McCarthy set to give Byrne and O'Connor gametime

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne and Celtic defender Lee O'Connor will feature in their upcoming international fixtures. 

McCarthy's side take on New Zealand in a friendly in Dublin on Thursday before next Monday's crunch Euro 2020 qualifier with Denmark at the Aviva Stadium.

McCarthy is currently waiting for the result of Aaron Connolly's scan on a groin injury that he picked up in their 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

The Ireland boss has now confirmed that both players will be involved in the New Zealand game at least.

McCarthy presented Byrne with the 2019 PFAI Player of the Year award at the weekend, ahead of Dundalk duo Sean Gannon and Michael Duffy.

Speaking to FAI TV about Byrne; McCarthy has outlined some of his plans for the 23-year-old, who made his senior international debut in September.

"His league season is finished. I'm conscious of that.

"He will be involved. He'll play some part of the game against New Zealand.

"I thought it would be appropriate to let him know. His season is not finished, he's got some games ahead of him."

McCarthy is also clearly excited about the prospects of uncapped duo Troy Parrott and O'Connor.

"I have seen them both play for the U21s of course. Troy was in the original squad. Lee is a bit by default.

"He's suspended for the 21s game in Armenia, which means he can be here.

"I didn't really have any real cover on the bench in terms of defenders, so he'll get some game-time as well. "

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