Republic of Ireland: Brighton striker Evan Ferguson gets first senior call-up for friendlies

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Evan FergusonImage source, Getty Images
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Brighton striker Ferguson recently turned 18

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Stoke City midfielder Will Smallbone have been handed their first Republic of Ireland call-ups.

The pair make the step up to the senior panel from the Under 21s for the friendly double-header at home to Norway and away to Malta.

Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan returns after injury and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is named.

Dundee United midfielder Jamie McGrath is recalled by boss Stephen Kenny.

Aberdeen defender Liam Scales and Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane also come into the squad for what will be the Republic's last two outings of 2022.

Kenny explained that Fulham defender Shane Duffy has been left out of the squad for personal reasons.

He also confirmed that Derby County have refused to release Jason Knight and Conor Hourihane for the two matches as the League One side have two fixtures over the next seven days.

"Jason has been injured, though he came on last night [against Liverpool in EFL Cup] but that's the reason they are not there," Kenny said.

"I have no idea why it isn't a fully sanctioned window that we can demand everyone [is released].

"They have competitive matches, but from our point of view playing for your country is the pinnacle of your career, and should be above everything. Ideally we want everyone here but there's nothing we can do."

The Republic play play Norway in Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Thursday 17 November before travelling to Ta'Quli to take on Malta three days later.

Goalkeepers: Kelleher (Liverpool), Bazunu (Southampton), Travers (AFC Bournemouth).

Defenders: Coleman (Everton), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Egan (Sheffield United), O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Scales (Aberdeen, on loan from Celtic), McClean (Wigan Athletic), Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Cullen (Burnley), Hendrick (Reading, on loan from Newcastle United), Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Browne (Preston North End), Smallbone (Stoke City, on loan from Southampton), McGrath (Dundee United).

Forwards: Obafemi (Swansea City), Robinson (Cardiff City), Hogan (Birmingham City), Ogbene (Rotherham United), Keane (Wigan Athletic), Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), O'Dowda (Cardiff City).