Stephen Kenny says Troy Parrott is a doubt for Ireland's opening Under-21 European qualifier.
Kenny has elevated the 17-year-old Tottenham striker into his first Ireland U21 squad.
But the talented forward is struggling with a toe injury.
"We've elevated five of the 17-year-olds and Troy is one of those," Kenny said.
"He's obviously a very talented player and he's come right through the system with the national teams.
"He's done very well with Tottenham but he has an injury at the moment. He's had a procedure on his toes, so there is a doubt for his availability for the games because of that.
Republic of Ireland Under 21 Squad Announcement, FAI HQ, Dublin 13/3/2019A view of the press conference ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry
"So we'll have to see how it goes. Our medical team have been dealing with the Tottenham medical team. So there is a doubt about his availability. We'll have to see how his progress goes between now and the 24th."
Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is another player elevated to the higher age grade. He also confirmed to Off The Ball that Inter Milan defender Ryan Nolan, who is not in the squad, is instead on the standby list.
Eligibility Rules
The former Dundalk manager also discussed the current FIFA eligibility rules.
"My personal view is that you shouldn't be able to play for a senior international team and then move to another international team. That's my personal view. I don't agree with that," he told Off The Ball.
"I'm very strong on that view. But those are the rules so we have to respect that and everyone understands that."
But he also added that "you have to respect some people have dual nationality".
"Certainly, you have to respect that," he said.
"Some people are torn between the backgrounds that they're... the diverse backgrounds... sometimes the diverse backgrounds that they're from."
You can check out the full squad list here:
Stephen Kenny has called up Troy Parrott to the @FAIreland U21 squad
Full press conference on @offtheball YouTube this afternoon #COYBIG #OTB pic.twitter.com/fBZiHtlihg
— Raf Diallo (@Raftastico) March 13, 2019
