The Ireland squad for next month's Toulon Tournament has been named by manager Stephen Kenny.
The 22-man group features seven League of Ireland players.
Several members have also received their first call-up at this level. Those include Stephen Mallon, who was on loan with A-League side Central Coaster Mariners last season from Sheffield United; Derby's Jason Knight, named in a Derby County matchday squad for the first time for last week's playoff semi-final against Leeds; Brighton's Aaron Connolly, last week named Premier League 2 Player of the Year; Manchester City's Tyreke Wilson, UCD keeper Conor Kearns, Barnet's Jack Taylor and Brentford's Canice Carroll.
It will be the first time since 2002 that Ireland have taken part in the competition. Kenny's side have been placed in Group C along with Bahrain, China and Mexico. The tournament gets underway on June 3rd.
"We've never qualified for the European Championships at U-21 level so this tournament represents the highest level we'd have played at and we're set to play Mexico, China and Bahrain's Olympic squads, as they prepare to qualify for Tokyo 2020," said Kenny.
Republic of Ireland U-21 Squad for Toulon Tournament
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Conor Kearns (UCD AFC).
Defenders: Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Conor Masterson (Liverpool), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Liam Scales (UCD AFC), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City), Canice Carroll (Brentford).
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jason Knight (Derby County), Connor Ronan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Neil Farrugia (UCD AFC), Stephen Mallon (Sheffield United), Zach Elbouzedi (Waterford), Simon Power (Norwich City), Jack Taylor (Barnet), Jamie Lennon (St. Patrick's Athletic).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Aaron Drinan (Ipswich Town, on loan at Waterford), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion).
Picture credit: Sportsfile
