Luton striker James Collins has been named in the Republic of Irelands’ provisional squad for next month’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland and a friendly against Bulgaria.
The Hatters hotshot is yet to make his senior international debut but did make Mick McCarthy’s final squad earlier in the year.
The Irish manager was at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night, but Collins was rested as Town boss Graeme Jones made 11 changes but still beat League One Ipswich 3-1 in the Carabao Cup.
Luton will benefit from international breaks now they’re a Championship side, so they will not have to be without the forward, who already has one goal in his two league appearances so far.
If he makes the final squad again, Collins could be in line to earn his first cap when Ireland take on UEFA Nations League semi-finalists Switzerland on September 5, or Bulgaria on September 10, both at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Speaking to FAI TV ahead of the announcement, McCarthy said the size of his provisional squad was due to the amount of club games in the coming weeks.
“I dont know what’s going to happen between now and the next couple of games. We’ve got Saturday games, Tuesday games, Saturday and then the Saturday before me meet up. Players could get injured before we meet up.
“Switzerland are a good side. They have been in the higher echelons of the top teams in Europe for the last number of years.”
Republic of Ireland squad to play Switzerland and Bulgaria
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Kieran O’Hara (Burton Albion, on loan from Manchester United)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Cardiff City), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers). Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United)
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Glenn Whelan (Heart of Midlothian), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic, on loan from West Ham United), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Alan Browne (Preston North End), James McClean (Stoke City), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Harry Arter (Fulham, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Kieran Sadlier (Doncaster Rovers)
Forwards: Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Scott Hogan (Stoke City, on loan from Aston Villa), Shane Long (Southampton), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Sean Maguire (Preston North End)
