Wexford’s Festy Ebosele and Kaylem Harnett named in Republic of Ireland squads

The Udinese player is one of nine defenders selected, including Jake O’Brien (Lyon) who has been called up for the first time.

Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz is another new addition for the games in the Aviva Stadium.

Belgium will provide the opposition on Saturday, March 23 at 5 p.m., while Switzerland will visit Dublin on Tuesday, March 26 with a 7.45 p.m. kick-off.

Meanwhile, Kaylem Harnett is part of the Under-17 international squad for the Euro elite round qualifiers in Portugal this week.

Ireland come up against the host nation, Germany and Croatia in Group 5 as they look to reach a second consecutive European Championships at this level.

Wexford FC clubman Harnett is one of seven defenders named in the 20-strong squad.

They will play Portugal in the Cidade Desportiva do SC Braga today (Wednesday) at 4 p.m.

The action moves to the Dr. José Matos venue in Viana Castelo for the games against Germany and Croatia on Saturday and Tuesday, March 23 and 26, with 11 a.m. kick-offs in both instances.