There may be two new senior debutants for the Republic of Ireland this week as the Boys in Green take on New Zealand in a friendly on Thursday.
Dubliner Troy Parrott and full-back Lee O'Connor are both thought to feature in the friendly against the team ranked 121 in the world. Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne will also feature against the All Whites after making his debut in September in the 3-1 win against Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium.
📺 Welcome @TroyParrott9!
A first training session in the men's squad for the striker to impress...#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/EftVejCoW2
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 11, 2019
Mick McCarthy faced questions this morning about who will get a chance against the All Whites on Thursday, with the question mainly focusing on Troy Parrott and Lee O'Connor. "They're the young ones," said the Republic of Ireland boss. "They have every chance yeah, I already said Jack will be involved. He will play some part in the game.
"There's a scope for them to do a whole load of good that's sure - whether that transmits into Monday or not we will find out. Let them get in, let them play well. I hope we do play well and lets hope we win. Let's see how I feel about them all after the game.
"They're in the squad, they're all here on, some slightly by default - Lee because he's suspended and I wanted some cover. But nevertheless, the others are here and been here for the last seven games."
All eyes will switch to the make-or-break game against Denmark in the Euro 2020 qualifiers after the New Zealand game. A win against the Danes will book the Boys in Green's place at next summer's finals - which will include games in Dublin.
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