Sammie Szmodics: John O’Shea names Blackburn striker in Republic of Ireland squad

Republic of Ireland interim boss John O’Shea has given a first call-up to in-form Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics for this month’s friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.

Colchester-born Szmodics, 28, can also represent Hungary where one of his grandfathers was born.

Lyon centre-half Jake O’Brien and Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz also receive first senior call-ups.

O’Brien is having an impressive season for the Ligue 1 club and many had expected him to be included in Stephen Kenny’s final squad last autumn.

Seamus Coleman is named in the squad for the first time since playing against France last March while there are also returns for Michael Obafemi, Robbie Brady and Callum O’Dowda.

The Republic host Belgium on 23 March before facing the Swiss at the Aviva Stadium three days later.

Belgium will be without Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

De Bruyne will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle on Saturday with a minor groin injury and Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco said that it had been agreed that the midfielder would not be involved in the Republic game.

O’Shea will be in charge of the Republic for the two friendlies after Football Association of Ireland director of football Marc Canham said earlier this month that “existing contractual arrangements” would delay the announcement of their new manager until early April.

The FAI’s original intention was to announce a new manager before the Uefa Nations League draw on 8 February.

England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley was believed to be the FAI’s preferred candidate but negotiations with the former Republic midfielder apparently stalled and he is preparing the under-21s for games against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg later this month as they begin the defence of their European title.

Republic of Ireland squad

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

Defenders: Coleman (Everton), Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Collins (Brentford), Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), O’Shea (Burnley), Scales (Celtic), O’Brien (Lyon), Brady (Preston), Ebosele (Udinese).

Midfielders: Cullen (Burnley), Knight (Bristol City), Smallbone (Southampton), McGrath (Aberdeen), O’Dowda (Cardiff City), Sykes (Bristol City), Azaz (Middlesbrough), Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Ferguson (Brighton), Idah (Celtic, on loan from Norwich), Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Szmodics (Blackburn), Ogbene (Luton Town), Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham).