REPUBLIC OF IRELAND manager Martin O'Neill has called Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney into his provisional squad for next month's Euro 2016 qualifier with Scotland on June 13.
There is no place, however, for Aston Villa youngster Jack Grealish who turned down an approach from Martin O'Neill, who expected to hand Grealish his debut against England in Dublin, seven days before Scotland's visit.
O'Neill is somewhat devoid of striking options, and has taken criticism in the Irish media for his reliance on record goal-scorer Robbie Keane as the LA Galaxy striker struggles with injuries, though O'Neill expects him ready for the make-or-break tie with Scotland.
"I think on the back of a couple of pretty decent performances" explained O'Neill of Rooney's inclusion. "We've had Adam watched quite regularly over the season."
"Roy (Keane) went up to watch him quite some time ago and although he didn't think that was his best game, he did believe he had something to offer."
"Its reward for the season he's had at Aberdeen similar to Judge at Brentford" added O'Neill, who has also included uncapped Brentford midfielder Alan Judge for the first time.
"It's hard to make the step up from club level to international level, but that applies to the majority of players" added O'Neill "I'm sure it will be a boost to Adam to be included in this squad."
The Dubliner has found the net 17 times for the Pittodrie side this season and draws some parallels with former Motherwell striker Tommy Coyne who made his debut for Ireland at the age of 29 before starring in World Cup 94.
The Republic of Ireland manager has described the Euro 2016 game as a "must win" for his side, having lost to Scotland at Celtic Park last November and then secured a last-minute draw with Poland in Dublin last March.
Much of O'Neill's squad announcement in Dublin yesterday centred on 19-year-old Grealish, who O'Neill admitted "turned down" a senior international call up.
The Birmingham-born midfielder has become a fixture of Aston Villa's revival in the English Premier League over the last few weeks, though he has not committed to the Republic of Ireland senior team despite having been capped six times at Under-21 level.
O'Neill admitted he was disappointed that Grealish had turned down the opportunity of joining his squad, though refused to be drawn on whether Grealish would join Roy Hodgson's England in favour of the Irish.
"Jack was born in England and his father was born in England, so I can understand if he goes there if England come calling" admitted O'Neill. "I don't think they have been calling, I don't know that for certain."
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