Mason Melia earns first Republic of Ireland Under-21 call-up

In-form St Pat's attacker Mason Melia has been rewarded with a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for their crucial Euro qualifiers against Norway and Italy next week.

Stephen Kenny’s side have been the League of Ireland Premier Division’s form team over the last 10 games, with Melia – who recently turned 17 – catching the eye of Ireland manager Jim Crawford as his side attempt to bounce back from a mixed September international window.

After a brilliant 1-0 win in Turkey, the side failed to take advantage as they were only able to draw with Latvia in their home fixture four days later.

Those results leave Ireland second in Group A and four points off leaders Italy, who have played a game more, in the race for a spot at next year's tournament in Slovakia.

There is also a return to the squad for defenders Tayo Adaramola, currently on loan at Stockport County from Crystal Palace, and Accrington Stanley’s Connor O’Brien.

Bosun Lawal is still ruled out through injury as are Zak Gilsenan, Sean Grehan, Conor Carty and Adam Murphy.

Norway visit Turner’s Cross on 11 October – where a home win would secure at least a play-off spot – before what could prove to be a match for top spot when they face Italy in Trieste on 15 October.

Republic of Ireland U21 squad:

Goalkeepers: Tiernan Brooks (Gateshead), Killian Cahill (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josh Keeley (Leyton Orient, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: James Abankwah (Udinese), Emmanuel Adegboyega (Dundee United, on loan from Norwich City), Tayo Adaramola (Stockport County, on loan from Crystal Palace) Sam Curtis (Peterborough United, on loan from Sheffield United), Anselmo Garcia-MacNulty (PEC Zwolle), Connor O'Brien (Accrington Stanley), Connor O’Riordan