Luca Connell has been forced out of the Irish squad with a thigh strain.
The highly-rated young Bolton Wanderers midfielder had been a surprise call-up and, initially, was expected only to be involved in the training camp in Portugal.
But Mick McCarthy today revealed that, based on the good first impression the 18-year-old had made on the Algarve, the manager had decided he was worthy of retaining his place in the final squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers away to Denmark and at home to Gibraltar.
Unfortunately, injury has now ruled out his involvement, with Connell following Alan Browne and Mark Travers out of the squad since preparations for the games began last week.
Speaking of Connell’s first experience of training with the senior players, McCarthy said: “He was excellent. He really stood up in training. Everyone was impressed him.
"I’ve just seen him say goodbye to all the lads and each and every one of them gave him a hug, saying ‘good luck, get fit and see you the next time’. Everyone took to him as a person and a player and it’s sad to see him have to go."
