Tom Cannon named in John O'Shea's Ireland squad for June friendlies
James Cox
Tom Cannon has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming friendlies with Hungary and Portugal.
The Leicester City striker receives a first call-up despite the English FA showing interest in Cannon declaring for England.
Born in Aintree, the 21-year-old played for Ireland at underage level.
Troy Parrott returns to the squad, while there's also a call-up for Fleetwood Town goalkeeper David Harrington.
In-form players included in the squad include Blackburn Rovers midfielder Sammie Szmodics, who was the top scorer in the Championship this season with 27 goals, and Adam Idah. Idah scored the winner for Celtic in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers on Saturday.
Parrott is expected to miss the first game against Hungary, as his club Excelsior are in the Dutch relegation play-offs.
Notable absences in the squad include Evan Ferguson, John Egan, Nathan Collins, Gavin Bazunu and Chiedozie Ogbene.
Interim manager John O'Shea will lead the Boys in Green in a clash with Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on June 4th, before an away game against Portugal on June 11th.
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City), David Harrington (Fleetwood Town)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Dara O’Shea (Burnley), Jake O’Brien (Lyon), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Enda Stevens (Stoke City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Celtic).
Forwards: Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Adam Idah (Celtic, on loan from Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Tom Cannon (Leicester City).