Yesterday, Martin O'Neill named his 40-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia.
Not included in the squad was Jack Byrne. The Man City player is currently on loan at Eredivisie side Cambuur where he has been one of their star players this season.
Despite not being named in the squad, Byrne - who is in the Ireland U21 squad - will still train with the senior team.
Speaking at Friday's press conference, O'Neill was positive regarding what he has seen from the 19-year-old.
He's doing very well. I've not seen him personally, but obviously, I've got the DVDs of his performances. He's doing very well.
He's definitely one that you would feel that in the future time should come through and make it.
He's got a lot of natural talent, I think, which he's shown. And at least, he's made the effort to go out on loan to try further his career and to try make himself a more experienced player. Well done to him for that.
O'Neill also emphasised the chance which fringe players have in the two friendlies.
I said before that I was looking at a bit of experimentation. Naturally, we still want to win the games - if at all possible. It's about experimentation; some lads who I feel have got something to offer. Not just necessarily in the future but between now and June.
I said before, we could all sit down here and name quite a number of the players who have done very well for us to qualify and - injury apart - will definitely make the team or make the squad.
Then there are a number of positions up for grabs which I think the players can use as a big incentive. If I was a player, that's what I would be thinking - If I have a chance to go here and play in one of the two games, I'd be giving it absolutely everything.
[98FM]
Picture credit: Sportsfile
