The Republic of Ireland squad trained for the first time in Dublin today ahead of their International friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia.
Martin O’Neill will have a fair idea of what players he’d like to use in the opening game of Euro 2016 against Sweden on the 13th of June but the upcoming friendlies will give some of the fringe players a chance to impress.
Switzerland visit the Aviva Stadium on Good Friday and then Slovakia come to Dublin the following Tuesday.
It may be the only chance for some players to impress the Ireland manager although O’Neill did say that there could be another game scheduled for after the home friendly with the Netherlands on the 27th of May.
Alan Judge, Eunan O’Kane, Matt Doherty and Jonathan Hayes will all be hoping to earn a first cap while Stephen Gleeson could also add to his two caps.
Hayes and Doherty spoke to the media today along with under 21 international Jack Byrne who is training with the senior squad before he links up with Noel King’s side for Thursday’s qualifier against Italy at the RSC in Waterford.
The 19 year old Manchester City midfielder is currently on loan at Dutch side Cambuur and the Dubliner has impressed in the Eredivisie.
Byrne revealed in a recent interview that he felt he could influence a game at any level, something that was put to Martin O’Neill:
Newly crowned senior player of the year Jonathan Walters sat out training in Abbotstown as did Robbie Keane, Jeff Hendrick, Shane Long, Robbie Brady and Harry Arter.
Martin O’Neill said it was too early in the week to be giving injury updates but Arter was taken off at half time for Bournemouth having just recovered from an Achilles injury.
Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers was invited to train today and took part in the session with Darren Randolph, Rob Elliot and David Forde.
