Matt Holland has been included in Mick McCarthy's 31-man strong Ireland squad for the next three European Championship matches.

It is the first time that Matt, who qualifies for Ireland due to an Irish grandparent and his sister's green skirt, has been included in the squad, which also features David Johnson's best mate Gareth Whalley of Bradford.

According to the Irish Times Holland "impresses McCarthy as a strong, industrious midfielder".

With fairly-Irishly-named-himself Kieron Dyer gone it is good that Town have added another international to their ranks in order that they will always have the minimum three players called up for international duty to get matches postponed.

Along with Holland Richard Wright, Jim Magilton and Sean Friars are regular call-ups for their U21 or full squads.

We apologise for the crap headline.

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