John Cullen has been called into Mick McCarthy's Ireland squad for the forthcoming Euro 2020 clashes against Gibraltar and Georgia.

Former Under-21 captain Cullen, 22, comes into the senior set-up for the first time while Kevin Long also gets the nod. Alan Browne and Ronan Curtis bow out through injury.

McCarthy yesterday trimmed the Ireland squad down to 23 for the March 23 opener in Gibraltar.

Luton Town striker James Collins has kept his place after initially being named in the provisional squad, while Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan is also included after earning a surprise recall from McCarthy.

The players left out after initially being selected in the extended squad are goalkeepers Kieran O'Hara and Caoimhin Kelleher, defenders Cyrus Christie, Kevin Long, Jimmy Dunne, Stephen Ward and Derrick Williams, midfielders Aiden McGeady, James McCarthy, David Meyler, and Daryl Horgan, as well as forwards Padraig Amond, Scott Hogan and Aiden O'Brien.

Ireland travel to Gibraltar for the opening game of their qualification campaign on March 23 and then host Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on March 26.

Republic of Ireland Squad

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

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

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town)

Online Editors