While youth is being blended into the Irish squad ahead of their upcoming friendlies before Euro 2016, there is a notable absentee from today's provisional squad.
Damien Delaney did not make the 40-man squad that was announced earlier today and head coach Martin O'Neill seemed unsettled by the media inquiries about his omission.
When asked if he had contacted Delaney personally, O'Neill bluntly said:
'No I haven't.''
And when pressed about the decision to leave the Crystal Palace man out of the list, he had an exasperated response.
''I've got six centre backs . There are people who have done brilliantly in the qualifiers and I’ve got one or two lads like Shane Duffy who I feel have international football ahead of them. You continue to talk about it, I don't know what you want me to say. Damien is 35. Shane is not.''
Elsewhere, Martin O'Neill seemed excited about the influx of youth into his side, namely Chris Forrester who played a star role in Peterbourough's FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion.
''He's done very well. Reports have been good. I’ve only watched one of the games but the reports I’ve had have been very positive.''
Martin O'Neill also said that he would like to have some of the U21's train alongside those in the senior squad. The squad is likely to be cut ahead of their friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia at the end of the month.
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