Barry Cotter selected for Ireland u-21 squad.

Former Limerick FC defender Barry Cotter has been selected for the Ireland u-21 squad by manager Stephen Kenny this afternoon.

It will be Kenny’s first competitive game in charge of the side when they entertain Luxembourg at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday March 24th.

The defender who left Limerick FC to join Ipswich Town in 2018 receives his first official call up. Cotter made two appearances for Ipswich last season in the championship under current Ireland senior manager Mick McCarthy.

In fact, Cotter made such an impression on his debut at right-wing back that supporters greeted his substitution in the second half with jeers. However, since the arrival of Paul Hurst and now Paul Lambert, Cotter has failed to appear for the championship strugglers this season as of yet.

Cotter showed immense promise during his brief spell with Limerick FC’s senior side in 2017. He was exceptionally confident and comfortable in possession and lined out at both right back and centre back.

Kenny has named no less than eight Airtricity League players in his first competitive squad with the likes of Waterford’s Aaron Drinan and Zack Elbouzedi. Trevor Clarke of Shamrock Rovers and UCD pair Neil Farrugia and Liam Scales were also selected.

The full squad is for the Luxembourg game is below.

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City)

Defenders: Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Dara O’Shea (Exeter City, on loan from West Bromwich Albion), Barry Cotter (Ipswich Town), Corey Ndaba (Ipswich Town), Conor Masterson (Liverpool), Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Liam Scales (UCD AFC).

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Jake Doyle Hayes (Cambridge United, on loan from Aston Villa), Connor Ronan (FC DAC 1904, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jamie Lennon (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians).

Attackers: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Neil Farrugia (UCD AFC), Zach Elbouzedi (Waterford), Michael O’Connor (Linfield), Simon Power (FC Dordrecht, on loan from Norwich City), Aaron Drinan (Waterford, on loan from Ipswich Town).