Two new players included as John O’Shea names Ireland squad

Belgium and Switzerland await for Ireland's home matches in March.

The squad includes a return for Seamus Coleman, Robbie Brady, Michael Obafemi, and Calum O'Dowda, as well as first call ups for exciting prospects Jake O'Brien and Finn Azaz

Sammie Szmodics, top scorer in the Championship this season, is also back in the squad and looking for his first cap after rejecting Hungary, much to the annoyance of manager Marco Rossi.

The English-born midfielder also qualifies for Hungary via his grandfather, but this week, Rossi publicly bashed Szmodics by saying "We don’t need such a person, even if he is a technically good player."

The 28-year-old has scored a whopping 21 goals for Blackburn Rovers this season, making him a significant goal threat for Ireland in the upcoming friendlies, particularly good news considering Brighton forward Evan Ferguson's recent lack of form in front of goal.

The full Ireland squad can be seen below:

Two new players included as John O’Shea names Ireland squad

Lyon's Jake O'Brien has also received a well-deserved call-up to the squad, after impressing in the back line this season for the French side.

Ireland play Belgium on Saturday, March 23 and Switzerland on Tuesday, March 26.

O'Shea will take charge for the upcoming friendlies, with the FAI assuring fans that a permanent head coach will be announced in April.