Hodge and Cannon named in Ireland Under-21 squad as Croly joins coaching staff

Wolvehampton Wanderers midfielder Joe Hodge has been included in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to play Iceland in Turner's Cross on Sunday week.

It is the first look at a new generation of players at the level with 13 previously uncapped named by Jim Crawford.

There is also a first Ireland call-up for Notts County goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks, while among the squad will be Cork City duo Jimmy Corcoran and Matt Healy who could play at their home stadium.

Bohemians’ head of academy Trevor Croly will also join the U-21 coaching staff for the international window after John O’Shea’s promotion to the senior side.

Tom Cannon, currently at Preston on loan from Everton, receives a call-up after three goals for the Championship side in recent games.

Former Drogheda United midfielder Killian Phillips also features. The Crystal Palace man is enjoying a good spell on loan at Shrewsbury Town.

Crawford said: "This promises to be an exciting occasion. A new look team, in our first international of year in what we hope will be in front of a big crowd in Turner’s Cross.

"It’s a great opportunity for these players to go out and show what they’re capable of against a very good Iceland side. It’s been six months since we were last together and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the players and staff again.

"We want to bring our fans on a journey and that starts against Iceland and I’ve no doubt the Cork public will get behind us all the way."

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Tiernan Brooks (Notts County), Jimmy Corcoran (Cork City), Josh Keeley (Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: Tayo Adaramola (Crystal Palace), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), James Furlong (Motherwell, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (NAC Breda,