Mark Sykes called up for Ireland as Will Keane and Scott Hogan withdraw

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has called Bristol City winger Mark Sykes into his squad for the upcoming friendlies with Norway and Malta.

Sykes' inclusion comes after confirmation that Wigan's Will Keane and Birmingham City's Scott Hogan have withdrawn because of injury.

The Belfast-born 25-year-old played underage football for Northern Ireland before switching his international allegiance two years ago. He received his first call-up for the Republic in March but has yet to see any game time.

The team are set to train at the Aviva Stadium today ahead of Thursday's game against the Norwegians, who will arrive in Dublin without star striker Erling Haaland. Manager Stale Solbakken has elected to give the in-form Manchester City player the night off, although he will be available for their game with Finland on Sunday.

Kenny confirmed his Ireland squad last week, with U21 players Evan Ferguson and Will Smallbone having been included in the senior squad for the first time.

Republic of Ireland Squad (updated)

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Aberdeen, on loan from Celtic), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Mark Sykes (Bristol City).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Stoke City, on loan from Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Dundee United).

Forwards: Michael Obafemi