West Ham forward Armstrong Oko-Flex has received his first call-up to an Ireland U21 squad.
The 19-year-old, who moved from Celtic to West Ham during the summer, has been in superb form for the club's U23 team this season. The Dublin-born player previously represented Ireland at U16 and U19 levels, and also England at U16 level. He also qualifies to play for Nigeria.
Bournemouth midfielder Gavin Kilkenny is also included. The 21-year-old has played regularly for the Championship leaders this season, and many had expected the Dubliner to receive a senior call-up.
Southampton’s Will Smallbone and Derby County’s Festy Ebosele return to the squad following injury.
There are seven League of Ireland based played included in Jim Crawford's 25-man squad.
Ireland take on Italy at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, November 12 before hosting Sweden four days later on Tuesday, November 16.
Ireland U21 squad to play Italy and Sweden
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), David Odumosu (Drogheda United), Luke McNicholas (Cliftonville, on loan from Sligo Rovers)
Defenders: Joel Bagan (Cardiff City), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Andy Lyons (Bohemians) Oisin McEntee (Greenock Morton, on loan from Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Cardiff City), Jake O’Brien (Crystal Palace), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic)
Midfielders: Conor Coventry (Peterborough United, on loan from West Ham United) Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Ryan Johansson (Fortuna Sittard, on loan from Seville), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Ollie O’Neill (Fulham), Conor Noss (Borussia Möchengladbach), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Ross Tierney (Bohemians)
Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Will Ferry (Crawley Town, on loan from Southampton), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Rotherham United), Liam Kerrigan (UCD), Armstrong Oko-Flex (West Ham United), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Salford City, on loan from Aston Villa)
Featured image: 11 October 2019; Armstrong Oko-Flex of Republic of Ireland during the Under-19 International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Denmark at The Showgrounds in Sligo. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
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