19-year-old Luca Connell has been included in Mick McCarthy's Ireland squad for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar next month.
The Bolton Wanderers midfielder broke into the first team squad this season after starring in last summer's Under-17's European Championship and has attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Wolves.
Also included are Josh Cullen and Glenn Whelan while Harry Arter, Jack Byrne and Aiden O'Brien miss out as the squad head to Portugal for a warm weather training camp.
Preston North End duo Callum Robinson and Alan Browne, Callum O’Dowda and in-form striker Shane Long all travel to Portugal after returning to fitness.
Speaking to FAI.ie, Mick McCarthy believes that Luca Connell deserves the opportunity.
He said: ""Luca deserves this opportunity.
"With midfielders Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan and Josh Cullen all on play-off duty with their clubs in the coming weeks, this is the perfect chance to get Luca into the squad.
"He has had a fine season with Bolton playing 15 times in total and even with their relegation troubles, he has impressed so many people. I know a number of big clubs have sent scouts to watch him so this is a chance to get him in to work with the senior players and see how he gets on."
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)
Forwards: David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Callum Robinson (Preston North End)
*Indicates the player is on loan
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