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Trio called up as FAI explain Odubeko withdrawal from U21 squad

The FAI have revealed the reason for Mipo Odubeko's withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland U21 s...



Trio called up as FAI explain...
Soccer

Trio called up as FAI explain Odubeko withdrawal from U21 squad

The FAI have revealed the reason for Mipo Odubeko's withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland U21 squad. 

The West Ham striker was included in Jim Crawford's 22-man squad for a friendly with Wales.

Odubeko has been a near ever-present on the Hammers bench since the turn of the year, and made his senior debut at Old Trafford in an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

His return to the Ireland underage fold had been keenly anticipated, given his rapid graduation through the West Ham ranks this season.

However, the former U17 Ireland international won't be involved against Wales. Nor will club teammate Conor Coventry or Schalke goalkeeper Dan Rose.

Coventry has been called up to Stephen Kenny's senior squad, while Rose is stuck in Germany due to travel restrictions.

They're replaced by Luca Connell (Queens Park, on-loan from Celtic), Norwich goalkeeper Sam Blair and Stoke City forward Ethon Varian.

The FAI say Odubeko will remain at West Ham this transfer window, "having only recently returned from injury and, as a result of his busy training and match schedule of late, both parties agreed that it would be beneficial for him to continue working with his club at this time."

Odubeko was born in Tallaght but also qualifies for Nigeria. Meanwhile, England were believed to be exploring his potential eligibility.

However, there's no suggestion his withdrawal from this U21 squad is down to the 18-year old's head being turned.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), Sam Blair (Norwich)

Defenders: Shane Flynn (Leicester City), Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Mark McGuinness (Ipswich Town on loan from Arsenal), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers on loan from Celtic), Mason O’Malley (Scunthorpe United), Lewis Richards (Wolves).

Midfielders: Luca Connell (Queen’s Park on loan from Celtic) Conor Grant (Rochdale), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Alex Gilbert (Brentford), Conor Noss (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Louie Watson (Derby County).

Forwards: Jonathan Afolabi (Dundee on loan from Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Carlisle United on loan from Rotherham United), Ethon Varian (Stoke City), Tyreik Wright (Walsall on loan from Aston Villa).

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Conor Coventry Ireland Jim Crawford Luca Connell Mipo Odubeko Republic Of Ireland Republic Of Ireland U21 West Ham