Martin O’Neill has officially signed a new deal with the FAI to stay on as Republic of Ireland manager.
Martin O'Neill: I have signed a new deal. It was never an issue. Roy and the backroom staff have followed suit. We're delighted. #COYBIG
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) September 23, 2016
Assistant manager Roy Keane and the backroom squad have also signed fresh deals. These will keep them all in the Ireland set up until the end of the World Cup campaign at least.
The deals were agreed months ago but up to recently had not been signed.
O’Neill made the announcement as he named his squad for the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Moldova.
After earning a valuable point away to Serbia in their first Group D game, Ireland will host Georgia in Aviva Stadium on Thursday, October 6 before travelling to take on Moldova on Sunday, October 9 in Chisinau.
Conor Hourihane included. Deserved call-up! https://t.co/dVye5sqRWO
— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) September 23, 2016
Included in the squad, for the first time, is Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane. The Cork native previously represented Ireland at underage level and has excelled in recent seasons in England’s League One and Championship.
Goalkeeper Danny Rogers also earns a senior call-up, while Brighton & Hove Albion defender Shane Duffy is available following suspension.
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Danny Rogers (Falkirk)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce (Derby County) Paul McShane (Reading), John O’Shea (Sunderland), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Marc Wilson (Bournemouth), Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Preston North End*), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Stephen Quinn (Reading), David Meyler (Hull City), Conor Hourihane (Barnsley), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O’Kane (Leeds United), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen)
Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Newcastle United), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids)
