World Cup play-off: James McCarthy in Republic of Ireland squad for Denmark ties

McCarthy made his first competitive start for his club since February in Tuesday's game against Chelsea

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has been included in a provisional 34-man Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off against Denmark.

McCarthy, 26, did not feature in the games against Moldova and Wales earlier this month because of a knee injury.

However, he made his first competitive start for his club since February in Tuesday's EFL Cup game against Chelsea.

As expected, injured Jonathan Walters has not been named in the squad for the 11 and 14 November games.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche ruled Walters out of the play-off games earlier this month although Republic boss Martin O'Neill appeared to suggest on Thursday that the striker could receive a late call-up.

"I haven't put him this squad at this moment though he's making good progress," said O'Neill.

"We'll see what the next ten days may bring."

Southampton striker Shane Long is available after missing the win in Cardiff through injury.

McCarthy's fitness problems over the last two seasons caused friction between the Republic manager and previous Everton boss Ronald Koeman.

Last March, Koeman accused O'Neill of "not protecting" the midfielder before the Republic boss hit back to describe the Dutchman as a "master tactician of the blame game".

O'Neill has included Wolves defender Matt Doherty and Reading centre-back Paul McShane in his extended squad which will be cut in advance of the play-off.

Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan and Millwall forward Aiden O'Brien also retain their places after receiving first call-ups for the games earlier this month.

Hull midfielder David Meyler, so impressive in Cardiff, is included even though he will miss the first leg in Copenhagen because of suspension.

Provisional Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Randolph (Middlesbrough), Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Elliot (Newcastle), Doyle (Bradford).

Defenders: Christie (Middlesbrough), Doherty (Wolves), McShane (Reading), Keogh (Derby), Duffy (Brighton), Clark (Newcastle), O'Shea (Sunderland), K Long (Burnley), Ward (Burnley).

Midfielders: McGeady (Sunderland), Horgan (Preston), Browne (Preston), Whelan (Aston Villa), Hourihane (Aston Villa), Arter (Bournemouth), McCarthy (Everton), Brady (Burnley), Hendrick (Burnley), O'Kane (Leeds), Meyler (Hull), Hoolahan (Norwich), O'Dowda (Bristol City), Hayes (Celtic), McClean (West Brom).

Forwards: Long (Southampton), Murphy (Nottingham Forest), McGoldrick (Ipswich), Maguire (Preston), Hogan (Aston Villa), O'Brien (Millwall).