Martin O'Neill says the Ireland senior call up for Burnley defender Kevin Long came after Roy Keane had watched the player in club action.
The Ireland manager announced his extended squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Austria as well as the June friendlies against Uruguay and Mexico.
Cork native Long, who joined Burnley from Cork City in October 2010, has made three appearances for Burnley this season.
The 26 year old had made one EFL Cup appearance but has made 90 minute appearances in Burnley's last two Premier League matches against West Brom and Bournemouth.
Keane had watched the defender in the West Brom again and suggested that the player was worth considering according to O'Neill who was speaking at a press conference.
"Roy saw him play last week and he said, 'you just wouldn't discount him'. He's a player who's had a host of injuries and loaned out to a number of clubs," he said.
"I think he was actually making his debut last week but [Keane] said, 'Don't discount him, he didn't do too badly in the game' and I'll have a look and hopefully he's playing next week for the last game of the season and he might be."
Cillian Sheridan
Former Celtic, CSKA Sofia, APOEL and Omonia striker Cilllian Sheridan has been in fine form of late since signing for Polish league leaders Jagiellonia Białystok earlier this year.
The Cavan man already has six goals for the club in 10 games, including a goal against Wisla Krakow, but although O'Neill had been monitoring his form, a call up did not materialise.
"[He's] always a consideration, " said O'Neill who added that he will "certainly be keeping a close eye" on the player's progress in Poland.
O'Neill also touched on the situation regarding English born Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan who is eligible for Ireland but up to now undeclared. When asked if he was hopeful that the player would declare for Ireland, O'Neill responded, "Not necessarily."
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