Troy Parrott has been included in the Ireland Under-21 squad to face Armenia and Sweden in key Euro qualifiers.
The Tottenham striker was recently named in Mick McCarthy’s provisional 40-man senior squad for next week’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland.
But he is now on standby only for that match after Irish Under-21s boss Stephen Kenny and Mick McCarthy discussed their options.
Southampton striker Michael Obafemi and Stoke City defender Nathan Collins will also drop into the 21s mix for the first time.
Like Parrott, they had also been selected by McCarthy in that enlarged senior group.
Kenny said today: “Yes, I spoke to Mick. They are available for Under-21 selection and are on standby for the senior internationals.”
Recent Celtic recruit Jonathan Afolabi is included for the first time.
So too are Bournemouth midfielder Gavin Kilkenny and defender Danny McNamara, who is on loan at Newport from Millwall.
Bohs pair Danny Mandroiu and Darragh Leahy make the cut along with Waterford ace Zack Elbouzedi and UCD defender Liam Scales.
Of Parrott, Kenny said: “He’s not been able to play that many matches in the calendar year because of injuries but he had a very good pre-season which he benefited from.
“We forget he was still eligible for the Under-17 finals this summer. He has done brilliantly and it speaks volumes for his talent.
“He has been nurtured. He’s flourishing at the moment and has scored goals in the Under-23s team.
“We’re looking forward to having him as we’ve not had him. We’ve selected him but he’s not been available so it will be great for him to make that step up.
“It’ll be great for the Irish public to see him too. We’ve some young strikers in this squad, five of them, and they’re all exciting in their own right.
“We had Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly in before but Troy, Jonathan Afolabi and Michael Obafemi have not played for us yet so hopefully they will all be available.”
Ireland host Armenia at Tallaght Stadium on Friday before an away clash with Sweden four days later.
Republic of Ireland U-21 Squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City)
Defenders: Danny McNamara (Newport County, on loan from Millwall), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Masterson (QPR), Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Liam Scales (UCD AFC)
Centre Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Millwall, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Cheltenham Town, on loan from Aston Villa).
Attacking Midfielders: Jack Taylor (Barnet), Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians), Gavin Kilkenny (AFC Bournemouth), Zack Elbouzedi (Waterford).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur).
