Dundalk duo make the final cut for Ireland squad, as injuries rule out likely starters

Mon, 07 Nov, 2016 - 20:24

Stephen Barry

The Dundalk pair of Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan have been included in the finalised Ireland squad ahead of their World Cup Qualifier away to Austria, writes Stephen Barry.

Martin O’Neill narrowed his squad from a provisional list of 35 to 28, with the Dundalk centre-back and winger retained to begin training with the international set-up tomorrow morning.

The kit is ready for the two new arrivals.. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/wNLjfqBCKF
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 7, 2016

Likely starters Stephen Ward and James McCarthy (both hamstring) are among those to miss out through injury, joining Shane Long (hamstring) and Daryl Murphy (calf) in sitting out the tie.

Cyrus Christie (ankle) and Stephen Quinn (knee) are also ruled out due to injuries, with John O'Shea, another player recovering from a hamstring injury, among the players included who will be assessed by FAI medical staff.

Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane and back-up goalkeepers Ian Lawlor and Danny Rogers are the others omitted from the provisional squad.

Ireland are second on goal difference with seven points from three games in Group D, with Saturday's opponents Austria, ranked 30th in the world, fourth with four points.

The Ireland squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Colin Doyle (Bradford City)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce (Derby County), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Paul McShane (Reading), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Andy Boyle (Dundalk)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Preston North End*), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), David Meyler (Hull City), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen), Daryl Horgan (Dundalk)