Striker Billy Clarke and defender Michael Synnott have joined up with the Republic of Ireland U21 squad at the Madeira invitational tournament. Keeper Shane Supple and midfielder Owen Garvan were both initially included in the squad before being withdrawn by the Blues.

Clarke is likely to start in Tuesday's opening fixture against Slovakia in Funchal, when he will be watched by Irish senior international manager Steve Staunton, after which he will return to Portman Road to prepare for Saturday's league game with QPR.

Synnott will remain with coach Don Givens's party for the duration of the competition which the Irish won a year ago. The youngsters take on a Madeira side on Wednesday and Portugal on Friday.

Squad: Rene Gilmartin (Walsall), James Russell (Chelsea), Tony Kane (Blackburn), Joe O'Cearuill (Arsenal), Stephen O'Halloran (Aston Villa), Kieran Murphy (MK Dons), Michael Synnott (Ipswich), Conor Powell (Bohemians), James O'Brien (Celtic), John Paul Kelly (Bohemians), Ian Morris (Scunthorpe), James Chambers (Shelbourne), Gary Curran (Sligo Rovers), Ronan Finn (UCD), James Simmonds (Cardiff City), Jon Hayes (Reading), Billy Clarke (Ipswich), Billy Dennehy (Sunderland), David Bracken (Glenavon), Ross Gaynor (Millwall).

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls