Sammie Szmodics replaces injured Aaron Connolly in Republic of Ireland squad

Sammie Szmodics has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers with Greece and Gibraltar

Szmodics, who has scored seven goals in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers this season, comes into the squad to replace the injured Aaron Connolly.

He secured his Irish passport earlier in 2021 for his first call-up, but a shoulder issue ruled him out of those games.

The 27-year-old was in superb form for the last two years with Peterborough United, which helped secure a move to Blackburn.

Szmodics has continued to shine with Rovers and has earned another opportunity in the green shirt following Connolly's withdrawal.

The rest of the squad has reported for international duty today before training preparations begin tomorrow.

Ireland play Greece on Friday before travelling to Faro to play Gibraltar on Monday.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Stoke City, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Mark Sykes (Bristol City).

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Mikey Johnston (Celtic), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers).

Watch Republic of Ireland v Greece in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ