Manchester United's Darron Gibson has bee called up the the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for the first time ahead of the UEFA Championship qualifier away to Greece on August 16th.
Derry-born Gibson, 18, got the nod from manager Don Givens after impressing for his club in pre-season and making his competitive debut for the Premiership side last season.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph, defender Darren O'Dea and attacker Anthony Stokes join Gibson in the squad as they all make the next step after representing at Under-19 level last season.
The consistency Kevin Deery has shown with Derry recently, including last week's victory over IFK Gothenburg in the UEFA Cup, has earned him a place in Givens' squad.
The Republic made it through pre-qualifying in May when they defeated Azerbaijan 4-1 on aggregate. They now face Greece on Wednesday, 16th at the Panionios FC Stadium in Nea
Smyrni (8.00pm) before hosting Belgium at Terryland Park, Galway on Friday, September 1st (7.30pm).
The top team in the three-nation group advance to a play-off in October where they will contest for a place in next year's Finals, to be hosted in the Netherlands.
Ireland Under-21 squad
Colin Doyle (Birmingham City), Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic), Kevin Foley (Luton Town), Paul McShane (Manchester United), Alex Bruce (Birmingham City), Marcos Painter (Birmingham City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), Glenn Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday), Willo Flood (Manchester City), Paul Keegan (Drogheda United), Michael Timlin (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Kevin Deery (Derry City), Jay Tabb (Coventry City), Roy O'Donovan (Cork City), Andy Keogh (Scunthorpe United), Stephen Ward (Bohemians), Anthony Stokes (Arsenal)
