World Cup 2018: Egan and Kelly handed Republic call-ups for Wales game

Reading's Liam Kelly shields the ball from Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick in January's FA Cup tie

John Egan and Liam Kelly have been given their first call-ups in the Republic of Ireland squad to face Wales in a World Cup qualifier.

Brentford defender Egan and Reading midfielder Kelly are in the 39-man provisional squad with Newcastle keeper Rob Elliott, who returns after a year.

Brighton defender Shane Duffy and Reading midfielder Stephen Quinn miss out because of injury.

The Irish host Wales on 24 March before a 28 March friendly with Iceland.

The extended panel for the two Aviva Stadium games was announced on Monday by Republic boss Martin O'Neill.

McCarthy concern

Everton midfielder James McCarthy is an injury doubt after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

Elliot returns to the squad for the first time since being injured against Slovakia in March last year.

The visit of Wales will be the Republic's fifth qualifying game following victories over Georgia, Moldova and Austria, as well as a draw away to Serbia.

The results have taken O'Neill's men to the top of Group D with six qualifiers remaining.

Wales have won just one of their four qualifiers and lie four points behind the Republic.

Republic of Ireland provisional squad:

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

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce (Derby County), Paul McShane (Reading), Andy Boyle (Preston North End), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), John Egan (Brentford), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

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

Forwards: Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), Shane Long (Southampton), David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town), Daryl Murphy (Newcastle United), Adam Rooney (Aberdeen), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City)