Cobh’s Sean McLoughlin in Irish U21 side to face Israel & Germany

Ireland go into the two away games level on points with second-placed Norway, as they look to qualify for the finals tournament for the first time.

Noel King’s side travel to Akko in Israel for the match on Thursday, October 11 before heading to Heidenheim to face group-leaders Germany on Tuesday, October 16.

Mansfield Town defender Ryan Sweeney and Portsmouth forward Ronan Curtis both return to the squad after missing the Germany game in September through a one-game suspension.

The former Derry City man Curtis, who received a senior call-up from Martin O Neill for the friendly against Poland, is also on stand-by for the UEFA Nations League match against Wales.

Coventry City winger Jordan Shipley receives his first international call-up whilst Cork City defender Sean McLaughlin retains his place in the squad after his debut against Germany.

Hearts defender Jimmy Dunne is recalled to the squad after impressing for the Scottish Premiership leaders this season, while Danny Kane, sent home with illness prior to the Germany defeat is also back in the squad.

“To go into the final two games of the campaign with a chance of qualifying is a great achievement by the group,” said U21 Head Coach Noel King.

“We were obviously disappointed with the defeat against Germany last time out but we’ll all learn from that and look to claim two positive results.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jordan Shipley into the squad for his first international call-up and also welcome back Ronan Curtis to the U21 squad who had a valuable experience with the senior squad for the Poland friendly.

“The players are well aware of the opportunity they have created for themselves with an impressive campaign to date and they’re anxious to round off the campaign with qualification to the finals tournament in Italy 2019.

Republic of Ireland U21 squad v Israel & Germany

Goalkeepers: Kieran O’Hara (Manchester United, loan Macclesfield Town), Liam Bossin (Nottingham Forest).

Defenders: Danny Kane (Cork City, loan AFC Flyde), Corey Whelan (Liverpool, loan Crewe Alexandra), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City, loan Mansfield Town), Ryan Delaney (Rochdale), Jimmy Dunne (Burnley, loan Hearts), Sean McLoughlin (Cork City), Shaun Donnellan (Yeovil Town).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (West Ham United, loan Charlton Athletic), Harry Charsley (Everton), Ryan Manning (QPR, loan Rotherham), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Jordan Shipley (Coventry City), Jamie McGrath (Dundalk).

Attackers: Reece Grego-Cox (Crawley Town), Ronan Hale ( Birmingham City, loan Derry City), Joe Quigley (Maidstone United), Jake Mulraney (Hearts), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth).

UEFA U21 European Championships Qualifying – Group Five Fixtures

11/10 – Israel v Republic of Ireland, 3pm (5pm local time), Akko Municipal, Akko.
16/10 – Germany v Republic of Ireland, 5.15pm (6.15pm local time), Albstadion, Heidenheim.