James McClean receives late call-up to Irish squad for Netherlands qualifier
James McClean has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad to face the Netherlands
James McClean is a late call-up to the Ireland squad for Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier away to the Netherlands as both Festy Ebosele and Will Smallbone withdrew from the travelling party.
Injury concerns Evan Ferguson, Jamie McGrath and Chiedozie Ogbene all passed fitness tests at the FAI’s base in Dublin before the squad departed to Amsterdam today, Ferguson's presence on the flight a boost for manager Kenny, but Ebsosele has pulled out and returned to his club in Italy.
Smallbone, who had remained at Southampton for treatment there, is also out. "He actually has two injuries, a foot injury and took a heavy challenge on his thigh that forced him off at the weekend for Southampton," Kenny said earlier this week of Smallbone.
That has led to a recall for the competitive fixture for McClean, who had been left out of the squad for the qualifier but was due to join the panel for his international farewell in the friendly at home to New Zealand on Tuesday.
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