Keiren Westwood and Harry Arter’s days as Irish internationals could be numbered.
Neither the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper nor the Bournemouth midfielder - on loan at Fulham - were named in the Ireland squad yesterday.
Both have had their injury problems and Westwood pulled out of the squad to face Switzerland last month.
But he was back playing for the Owls a week later.
Ireland boss Mick McCarthy said yesterday: “Harry’s not been playing and I had a conversation with him and Keiren the other day.
“If I rang them up and wanted them to play, they’d both be happy to come along.
“Both of them were carrying injuries and actually would prefer, I think, to make sure they’re right for their clubs at this moment in time. It suits me.”
McCarthy continued: “I said to Harry he wouldn’t be in the squad anyway, with the six midfielders I’ve got.
“And Kieren’s not going to start if Darren Randolph’s there and the other two lads (Mark Travers and Kieran O’Hara) were brilliant in training.
“So I had that conversation with them. If I need them, they’ll be ready but I think they’re both happy enough with my decision.
“They can concentrate on the (club) football without having to tell me. I’m telling them.”
Westwood has won 21 caps for Ireland while Arter has 15 to his name.
Jack Byrne’s arrival on the international stage has pushed Arter further down the central midfield pecking order.
Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane, Josh Cullen and Alan Browne are all ahead of him.
James McCarthy was also left out of the squad as his move to Crystal Palace has so far proved a frustrating one with limited game time.
"I’m not convinced he’d get in anyway," said Ireland boss McCarthy.
"The three lads who have been playing - Whelan, Hendrick and Hourihane – have been different class playing for me.
“The other two lads against Bulgaria – Josh Cullen and Browny did really well and Jack did his bit really well.
"So why would I change it? James has hardly played any football since he’s gone to Crystal Palace.”
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