Ireland's rising stars have been told they are unlikely to feature in the Euro 2020 playoff against Slovakia.
"This is not a game for debutantes to come in and play," said Mick McCarthy, the Ireland boss at an 'Intersport Elverys' sponsorship launch in Dublin today.
McCarthy also expressed disappointment that Troy Parrott - capped in the friendly win over New Zealand - failed to land a loan move away from Tottenham in the transfer window.
Parrott, 18, signed a new three-year deal with the Premier League club last week but has played a peripheral role under Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
McCarthy said today: "I wish Troy had gone (on loan) to Charlton and played.
"It's great for him financially (to stay at Tottenham) but I'm not really bothered what length of contract he's got.
"It's about him playing football and for us, that would have been better. If he's not playing competitive football, he has very little chance of playing for us."
Aaron Connolly made his senior debut at the tail end of the qualifying campaign but is in and out of the Brighton side.
And McCarthy added: "Adam Idah scored that hat-trick (in the FA Cup) but hasn't been playing (for Norwich).
"Troy hasn't gone on loan. Jayson Molumby, I saw him yesterday and I've watched Jason Knight. Dara O'Shea is doing well at West Brom.
"But don't think for a minute that just because they have done well in the Championship that they will come and play in Slovakia.
"It's great for Stephen Kenny that they are all playing league football as it will make them better players. But continuity has been at the base of all my teams and we've had that."
McCarthy is not concerned that veteran Glenn Whelan is now playing League One football with Fleetwood Town.
He remains central to the plans in Bratislava on March 26, as does Darren Randolph despite being on the bench for West Ham. "He's the best we have by some distance," said McCarthy of the goalkeeper who rejoined the Hammers in this window.
Forgotten man James McCarthy is playing for Crystal Palace and will be considered in midfield despite withdrawing from recent squads to concentrate on club form.
Brighton's Shane Duffy is fit again and Shane Long's form for Southampton puts him back in the mix for selection.
"He's looking healthy and he just needs to be playing," said McCarthy of Long. "Nobody doubts his ability."
McCarthy is due to name his squad for the playoff semi-final on March 16.
