Despite ongoing problems with his hamstring, Everton's Seamus Coleman has squeezed his way on to Martin O'Neil's side ahead of their next two Uefa Euro 2016 qualifier games.
The former Celtic chief has implemented significant cuts to reduce the provisional squad from 40 down to 27 before the two crucial Group D matches coming up this month.
Coleman has been absent for the last three weeks after limping off in the 77th minute of Everton's 3-1 win against Chelsea but he will be afforded every possible chance of proving his fitness. Toffes manager Roberto Martinez has said he will make a late decision on whether to start the Donegal man in their League tie against Liverpool later today. Should Coleman be passed fit to play, his performance could potentially determine the likelihood of seeing him line out for Ireland.
Ireland's first test of October will be against Germany at the Aviva Stadium next Thursday October 8 followed by an away fixture against Poland in Warsaw on October 11. Ireland's ambition is to finish in second place which will automatically secure them qualification for France 2016.
The provisional Irish squad will meet in Dublin on Sunday evening before training on Monday at the FAI’s National Training Centre on the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown. Marc Wilson will remain at Stoke City where he will continue to receive treatment for a calf injury which is due for review by the Irish medical staff early in the week
Republic of Ireland squad: David Ford (Milwall), Shay Given (Stoke City), Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Derby County), John O’Shea (Sunderland), Alex Pearce (Derby County), Paul McShane (Reading), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Robbie Brady (Norwich City), Marc Wilson (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Aiden McGeady (Everton), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Judge (Brentford), David Meyler (Hull City), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Jonathan Walters (Ipswich Town).
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