O'Neill calls up Hourihane

Martin O'Neill has called up Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane to the Republic of Ireland squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Moldova.

Hourihane, who has represented Ireland at underage level, was named Championship Player of the Month for August, and his good start to the season s resulted him being called into the senior squad for the first time.

O'Neill has also called up Falkirk goalkeeper Danny Rogers, while Shane Duffy is available following suspension.

James McCarthy has been included in the squad but his participation will depend on how he recovers from groin surgery, but there is no place for Daryl Horgan or Gary Rogers due to Dundalk's congested fixture list.

"I am in constant touch, with Stephen (Kenny), who is a very busy manager at this minute, they have issues with fixtures because of their success. Fantastic on one hand and pain on the other hand. I have to speak to Stephen," O'Neill explained.

"Horgan has done exceptionally well. In normal circumstances, he would have been in the provisional squad. Without a doubt. He was excellent in Holland, along with a number of other players. I would like to speak to Stephen (Kenny) before anything else."

Ireland host Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, October 6 before travelling to Chisinau to face Moldova on Sunday, October 9.

Republic of Ireland Squad:

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Danny Rogers (Falkirk)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce (Derby County) Paul McShane (Reading), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Marc Wilson (Bournemouth), Stephen Ward (Burnley)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Preston North End), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Stephen Quinn (Reading), David Meyler (Hull City), Conor Hourihane (Barnsley), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Newcastle United), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids)

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