Scales and Parrott ruled out of Ireland double-header

Liam Scales and Troy Parrott are both out of the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland due to injuries.

Celtic cente-back Scales picked up a knock in training ahead of his club’s 3-1 victory over St Johnstone last Saturday. He has not recovered in time to be in the reckoning for interim head coach John O’Shea’s two games at the helm.

Parrott – currently on loan at Excelsior from Tottenham – has missed the last two matches for the Dutch outfit and is also unable to report for duty this week.

O’Shea has chosen not to call up any replacements, with the rest of the squad set to come into camp today.

Joe Hodge and Andy Moran will link up with the seniors after the Under-21s’ qualifier against San Marino on Friday.

Meanwhile Derry City’s Brian Maher has been invited into the group to train with the goalkeepers alongside Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers.

Ireland take on the Belgians at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (5pm kick-off) and then welcome Switzerland to Dublin the following Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).

Republic of Ireland Squad

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

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Dara O’Shea (Burnley), Jake O’Brien (Lyon), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Festy Ebosele (Udinese).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton). Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town).

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