Brighton hotshot Evan Ferguson has earned a first senior Ireland call-up as Stephen Kenny tweaks his attacking options for the Norway and Malta friendlies.
With Troy Parrott and Adam Idah injured, and Will Keane a likely withdrawal despite being included in the 25-man squad today, Ferguson has been handed his chance.
Kenny has also put Shamrock Rovers striker Rory Gaffney on standby, along with Hoops team-mates Neil Farrugia and Dan Cleary and Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher.
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Ex-Bohemians man Ferguson, 18, has made his mark at Under-21 level for Ireland and made his Premier League debut for Brighton in a defeat to Burnley this season.
This season, his only competitive first-team appearance was a scoring one in a 3-0 League Cup win away to Forest Green in August.
Ireland boss Kenny said today: “It is premature for Evan but he’s a good prospect and he could get the opportunity to go out on loan and do well.
“He scored in the recent Carabao Cup match, a great headed goal, and he scored in the recent under 21 play off, a great headed goal.
“He’s a different type of player than what we have. We think he has a good chance of being a good player, he is highly regarded at Brighton.”
But Kenny denied that his inclusion at this early stage of his career pointed to a lack of depth in Ireland’s attacking ranks.
"I don't think we have an overall lack of strength in depth. It's just that the bar is set very high,” he said.
“Adam Idah has been unlucky with his knee injury being operated on, but Adam and Troy Parrott will come back strong.
“Aaron Connolly has been unable to get games in Italy and of those in the squad, Michael Obafemi has done really well and Scott Hogan is in good form for Birmingham.
“We have put an extra forward in because we are preempting the possible withdrawal (of Will Keane).”
Shane Duffy has been left out for personal reasons while Derby have refused to release Jason Knight or Conor Hourihane because of upcoming FA Cup and league games.
“I’ve no idea why it isn’t a fully sanctioned window that we can demand everyone [is released for],” said Kenny.
“Derby have competitive matches, but from our point of view playing for your country is the pinnacle of your career, and should be above everything.
“Ideally we want everyone here but there’s nothing we can do.”
Will Smallbone, on loan at Stoke City from Southampton, joins Ferguson in stepping up from Under-21s to senior ranks for the first time.
And Kenny said: “Will has shown great character to come back from a cruciate ligament injury.
“He’s a creative passer and has gone and played for Stoke this season and done reasonably well.
“He has shown the ability to change the tempo of the game with his passing. In the Under-21s, he scored good goals so he’s there on merit and it’s an opportunity.
Jamie McGrath, on loan at Dundee United from Wigan, returns for the first time this year and Middlesbrough’s Darragh Lenihan is also back on board.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland will be the big draw at Aviva Stadium next Thursday - once he shakes off the foot injury that has dogged him since late October.
“He’s a phenomenon,” added Kenny. “He’s a very exciting player, he has electric speed and incredible capacity to score goals, and physical strength.
“You have other good players like Martin Odegaard, a terrific player, so Norway have some really good players.
“From our point of view it’s good preparation for France in March as I feel that’s a very important game for us.”
Republic of Ireland Squad - Norway & Malta
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Aberdeen, on loan from Celtic), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Stoke City, on loan from Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Dundee United).
Forwards: Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
