Irish manager Mick McCarthy has named his final 25-man squad ahead of the upcoming games against Switzerland and Bulgaria.

As expected the young trio of Nathan Collins, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi are excluded as they join up with the U21’s squad while Kieran Sadlier, James Collins and Darragh Lenihan also miss out.

Southampton striker Shane Long is another notable omission with his lack of game time at St Mary’s this season likely to have cost him his place while Robbie Brady misses out due to injury.

Fulham midfielder Harry Arter is also absent as he requires a procedure on an ankle injury, while Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne is rewarded for his terrific displays in the League of Ireland with a spot in the 25.

“The big thing in picking this squad has been game-time for the players,” McCarthy told FAI.ie.

“I named a 40-man provisional squad a fortnight ago because so many of the players had yet to play for their clubs but thankfully that situation has improved dramatically since then.

“I watched James McCarthy play the full 90 minutes for Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday while Alan Kelly was at Burnley on Wednesday night to see Jeff Hendrick and Kevin Long start against Sunderland.

“Alan Browne is back in the team at Preston and Mark Travers started for Bournemouth on Wednesday and saved three penalties. Conor Hourihane scored two goals for Aston Villa at Crewe on Tuesday and Glenn Whelan is playing again now that he has signed for Hearts. It is great to have them back on the pitch ahead of such a big game against the Swiss and then for the friendly against Bulgaria.”

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Glenn Whelan (Hearts), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)

Forwards: Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Stoke City), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United).

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