Phillips returns to Ireland Under-21 squad ahead of double-header

Jim Crawford has named a 24-man squad for the Under-21 European Championships qualifier double-header against Norway and Italy, with Killian Phillips and Kian Leavy returning to the Ireland set-up.

The Republic of Ireland currently sit top of Group A after three wins out of three, but will face a tough test against Norway in Drammen on Friday, 17 November (live on RTÉ) before hosting the Italians at Turner's Cross four days later.

Captain Joe Hodge again misses out after undergoing shoulder surgery, having being absent for the wins over Turkey and San Marino.

Phillips, on loan at Wycombe Wanderers from Crystal Palace, returns to the squad after missing last month's victory over Latvia, as does his parent club team-mate Tayo Adaramola.

There’s a first call-up since March for St Patrick’s Athletic’s Leavy, with Lincoln City’s Sean Roughan is also available for selection after serving a two-match suspension.

Anselmo Garcia MacNulty - pictured above - returns after missing the Latvia win due to injury.

"These will be two tough games against two quality teams and we’re certainly looking forward to them," Crawford said.

"We have great momentum going into this international window, but Norway and Italy will pose new tests for us.

"They’re exciting games to be involved in and to hear we have a healthy crowd expected at Turner’s Cross highlights shows how much backing the public in Cork have for this group of players and it would be amazing to see it sell-out."

Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad

Goalkeepers: Tiernan Brooks (Cork City, on loan from Notts County), Killian Cahill (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josh Keeley (Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: James Abankwah (Charlton Athletic, on loan from Udinese), Tayo Adaramola (Crystal Palace), Sam