Stephen Kenny has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan and the friendly against Qatar.
Wigan striker Will Keane, who is the twin brother of Everton's England international centre-back Michael Keane, is a surprise inclusion.
The 28-year-old qualifies to represent Ireland through his father. His brother Michael played at underage level for Ireland before switching allegiance to England. Keane has scored four goals in nine matches for Wigan in League One this season.
Sheffield United left-back Enda Stevens, Derby County midfielder Jason Knight and Rotherham United winger Chiedozie Ogbene all return to the squad after injury ruled the trio out of the September matches.
Captain Seamus Coleman and defender Dara O'Shea are both ruled out through injury as Cyrus Christie retains his place in the squad, having been called up for the 1-1 draw against Serbia. Neither Alan Browne nor Jayson Molumby are included, as both are suspended for the game against Azerbaijan.
Ireland play Azerbaijan in Baku on Saturday, October 9 before returning to Dublin to take on Qatar on Tuesday, October 12.
A recent goal Will Keane scored for Wigan in League One 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/FBhuwmmkcb
— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@RepTracker) September 30, 2021
Ireland squad to play Azerbaijan and Qatar
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jason Knight (Derby County).
Attackers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United).
See Also: Anselmo Garcia MacNulty Has Not 'Shut Door' On Switching Allegiance
