Jake O'Brien named in John O'Shea's 26-man squad
Republic of Ireland Interim Head Coach John O'Shea has announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming international friendly double-header against Belgium and Switzerland.
Belgium will visit the Aviva Stadium on Saturday March 23 (5pm) with Switzerland travelling to Dublin for their friendly against Ireland on Tuesday March 26 (7.45pm).
Lyon defender Jake O'Brien receives his first call-up to the Ireland senior squad following his impressive form in Ligue 1 this season.
O'Shea has named Sammie Szmodics in the squad for the two friendlies. The Blackburn Rovers forward, who is top scorer with 21 goals in the EFL CHmapionship and has score six goals in cup competitions to date this season, links up with the squad and will be aiming to make his first senior cap in the double-header.
Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz is also called into the squad for the first time.
Michael Obafemi, Robbie Brady and Callum O'Dowda all return to the squad alongside captain Seamus Coleman will links with squad for the first time since the 1-0 defeat to France in March when he suffered a knee injury which ruled him out of the remaining 2023 campaign.
Alan Browne is unavailable to join up with the squad due to injury.
Republic of Ireland Squad - Belgium & Switzerland
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Liam Scales (Celtic), Jake O'Brien (Lyon), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Festy Ebosele (Udinese).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton). Jamie McGrath
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