Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named eight uncapped players in a 23-man squad to take part in a summer training camp in Malahide from May 16th to May 21st.
Midfielders Paul Green of Derby County and Sunderland’s John Meyler are two players that will have a chance to impress ahead of the friendly internationals against Paraguay and Algeria at the end of May.
Green, 27, was born in Yorkshire and started his professional career with Doncaster Rovers before signing for Derby on a free transfer at the start of the 2008-09 season.
Green qualifies through his grandfather on his mother’s side and has made 33 appearances for the Rams this season, but missed last Saturday’s defeat away to Bristol City after injuring himself in the warm-up.
Derby boss Nigel Clough has welcomed Green’s call-up to the training squad.
“It is fantastic news for Paul and Derby County that his performances have been recognised with this call-up.
“Paul has been a strong and consistent performer for us this season and we have been very pleased with his form.
“It will be a great experience for Paul and something that will only benefit him a player.”
Meyler, a son of former Wexford and Cork hurler John, has impressed at the Stadium of Light. The 20-year-old former Cork City player was handed a new five-year deal with the Black Cats over the weekend.
Former Bohemians goalkeeper and current Ipswich player Brian Murphy has been included, while Everton’s Shane Duffy, Portsmouth’s Marc Wilson and Stephen Ward of Wolves are amongst the eight defenders named.
Wingers Keith Treacy of Preston and Birmingham’s Keith Fahey are the other uncapped players named.
Fahey won Player of the Year after his final season with St Patrick's Athletic two years ago and has featured 32 times for the Birmingham this season, starting 18 of those games.
Having sored four last season, Fahey has yet to score a league goal this term but has been an integral part of Alex McLeish's plans as the Blues (currently ninth) target a top 10 finish.
Trapattoni believes the week-long camp will prove beneficial as he frames his squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifying campaign.
“Training camps are useful for preparation as was proven by the one we held prior to our World Cup qualifying campaign,” said the Italian.
“I look forward to working with these new players and learning firsthand what they have to offer as we begin to prepare for the European Championship qualifiers.”
Republic of Ireland training camp squad
Goalkeepers:Keiren Westwood (Coventry City), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe Utd), Brian Murphy (Ipswich Town).
Defenders:Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Eddie Nolan (Sheffield Wednesday), Paul McShane (Hull City), Shane Duffy (Everton), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Marc Wilson (Portsmouth), Darren O'Dea (Celtic).
Midfielders:Keith Treacy (Preston North End), Darron Gibson (Manchester Utd), Andy Keogh (Wolves), James McCarthy (Wigan), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City), David Meyler (Sunderland), Keith Fahey (Birmingham City), Paul Green (Derby County).
Forwards:Caleb Folan (Hull City), Leon Best (Newcastle Utd), Shane Long (Reading), Anthony Stokes (Hibernian).