Cork City striker Sean Maguire was a notable omission from Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland squad named on Monday.
O'Neill named an extended squad for three games next month, including a trip to the American east coast to play Mexico in a friendly. Despite Maguire's 11 league goals this season, there was no place for him in the squad.
"It's good to see he's doing well, but I think there are a couple of lads on front of him at the moment," O'Nell revealed on Monday.
Joe Gamble is the last Cork City play to be capped at senior level for Ireland. In 2007, he played twice on a tour to the United States, where he played against Ecuador and Bolivia.
Despite earning two caps as a League of Ireland midfielder, Gamble said he was not surprised that Maguire was not selected on the 37-man list.
Gamble earned two international caps in 2007. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
"I think it's a fair reflection," Gamble told Newstalk's SSE Airtricity League Podcast, citing the lack of caps earned by the likes of Richie Towell and Daryl Horgan when they were at Dundalk.
"Being realistic, he probably needs to be looking at playing at a higher level if he wants to be named among a squad of 35 on a regular basis.
"If Sean Maguire is going to play for Ireland two things will have to happen. They will have to introduce 'B' Internationals so he can have a platform to show he can play the international stage. He will get his chance, but unfortunately I don't see it happening when he's in the League of Ireland."
Gamble thinks players in the League of Ireland "deserve" international recognition, but are unlikely to get it when playing at home.
"There's quality players there. I had the opportunity in a 'B' International [against Scotland in 2006] that gave me a platform to show I was able to play."
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