Summer signings Sammie Szmodics, Dara O’Shea and Chiedozie Ogbene have been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their September Nations League internationals.

Ireland host England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday 7th September, then take on Greece at the same venue on the following Tuesday.

Szmodics has previously won four full caps, while O’Shea has picked up 26 and Ogbene 20, scoring four goals.

Town's head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin will also be with the Republic of Ireland set-up during the break, although is no longer the first-team goalkeeper-coach having temporarily stepped into that position from his U21s role under interim-boss John O’Shea.

U21s coach Jim Crawford confirmed that the Dubliner is back in his old role.

Jim Crawford said: “I’m delighted to have Rene Gilmartin back involved with the U21s. I’ve worked with Rene for more than five years and he’s a hugely impressive coach and big asset to us.

“He’s doing brilliant things with Ipswich Town and knows our group of goalkeepers well, has a brilliant knowledge of set pieces and knows the standard needed at international level which is invaluable to us.”

In total, the Blues now have six players who qualify for Ireland, Marcus Harness, Liam Delap and Jack Taylor in addition to Szmodics, O'Shea and Ogbene.

Photo: REUTERS/Phil Noble

E_I_E_I_E_I_O added 12:48 - Aug 29 Seems strange Robinson of Cardiff and Troy Parrott get in ahead of Delap.
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Kickingblock added 13:18 - Aug 29 So much for the training and bonding opportunity
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Kickingblock added 13:19 - Aug 29 But congratulations are in order.
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JewellintheTown added 13:48 - Aug 29 Congrats. Assuming they all play but don't come back injured, this will be a confidence and training boost playing with quality players against against strong opposition. I'm sure some will still find a reason to moan though.
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orfordbuoy added 14:38 - Aug 29 Shame. The entire squad needs to be at Playford Rd,
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chorltonskylineblue added 16:00 - Aug 29 E_I_E_I_E_I_O - Delap is an England Under 21. He played as a sub in their last game before he got injured at Hull (2 goals in 5 apps). He's played in all age groups for England from U16 to U21, so no surprise he's not in the Eire squad. That's not to say he might declare for Eire at some point, but I suspect it's too early in his career for him to make that decision.

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E_I_E_I_E_I_O added 16:01 - Aug 29 Ahh fair play I was unaware….in that case makes sense.
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Runner added 16:55 - Aug 30 Friday update: that is now 9 players away on international duty. I would say at least 6 of which would start against Fulham tomorrow.
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