Town striker Billy Clarke has been called into the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for the first time. However, the Blues are likely to withdraw the 18-year-old from the party travelling to face Luxembourg in a friendly on October 18th.

Clarke will be required by boss Jim Magilton for the home game with Preston a day before the Ireland match.

Also named in the squad are John Paul Kelly, who spent time on trial with the Blues in 2005 before joining Eircom League side Bohemians, and Bristol City defender Richard Keogh, who was a Portman Road ballboy while a schoolboy with the Town academy.

Republic of Ireland U21s: Darren Quigley (University College Dublin), Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic), Keith Keane (Luton Town), Joe O'Cearuill (Arsenal), Marcos Painter (Birmingham City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), Patrick Clegg (Falkirk), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Gary Dicker (University College Dublin), John Paul Kelly (Bohemians), Ian Morris (Scunthorpe United), Andy Keogh (Scunthorpe United), Anthony Stokes (Falkirk), Billy Clarke (Ipswich Town), Shane Long (Reading), Michael O'Connor (Crewe Alexandra), Darren Stapleton (Unattached), Richard Keogh (Bristol City).

Photo: Action Images

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