Luke McNally included in Republic of Ireland u-21s

Enfield man Luke McNally has been included in the Republic of Ireland u-21 panel by head coach Jim Crawford for a training camp ahead of the crucial qualifiers in October and November.

The 25-man squad will report for a four-day training camp in Northern Ireland next week from Monday 31st August to Thursday, 3rd September.

McNally featured prominently for manager Timmy Clancy with Drogheda Utd last season, but returned to St Patrick's Athletic for the 2020 season.

He has played regularly in defence for the Inchicore side in the Premier League this season.

The St Patrick's Athletic defender receives his first u-21 call-up as well as Southampton duo Will Ferry and Will Smallbone, Watford striker Ryan Cassidy will also report for the u-21s for the first time.

The Republic of Ireland u-21s have qualifiers in October and November against Italy, Iceland and Luxembourg and the training camp will provide crucial preparation time.

Seven League of Ireland players from five clubs are included.

PANEL

GOALKEEPERS

Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers).

DEFENDERS

Luke McNally (St Patrick's Athletic), Lee O'Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Danny McNamara (St Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Conor Masterson (QPR), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Thomas O'Connor (Southampton).

MIDFIELDERS

Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jack Taylor (Peterborough Utd), Will Ferry (Southampton), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Conor Coventry (West Ham Utd), Connor Ronan (Grasshoppers Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers).

FORWARDS

Danny Grant (Bohemians), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Zach Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Neil Farrugia (Shamrock Rovers), Ryan Cassidy (Watford).