Scott Hogan called up to Ireland squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers

Scott Hogan has been called up to the Ireland squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers

John Brennan

September 26 2017 01:09 PM

Scott Hogan has been named in a 32-man provisional squad for Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Wales next month.

The Aston Villa striker received his Irish passport a few days ago and O'Neill is delighted to welcome him to the Boys in Green.

BREAKING: Martin O'Neill names a 32 man provisional squad with strikers Scott Hogan and Aiden O'Brien included for the first time. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/HKsMCsEJ1l
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) September 26, 2017

Aiden O'Brien of Millwall is another new man in the group as the Irish boss ramps up his attacking options without Jon Walters.

The Burnley man is out for "more than a few weeks" according to O'Neill and so Hogan and O'Brien have their chance.

Sean Maguire of Preston is also named the group, but the question is whether he can now make the party of 24 or 25 that will actually enter the training camp early next week.

Maguire was among those to miss out in that cut last time, and the ex-Cork City hit-man will be hoping that not even the return of David McGoldrick of Ipswich will get in his way this time.

Everton's James McCarthy is in the 32, but O'Neill admits he needs to get back playing this weekend to be involved in these vital games for Ireland.

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Colin Doyle (Bradford City)

Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Sunderland), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McCarthy (Everton), David Meyler (Hull City), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Jonathan Hayes (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Daryl Horgan (Preston North End)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Nottingham Forest), David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall)

More to follow...