Republic of Ireland manager, Martin O'Neill has said the Dundalk duo of Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle deserve their chance to impress.
Both have been included in his provisional 35 man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier away in Austria on November 11th.
BREAKING: Martin O'Neill has announced his provisional squad to face Austria with first call-ups for Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/3fXa41xMNj
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 2, 2016
There have been calls for months to inclucde some of the stand out players from Dundalk's three-in-a-row SSE Airtricity League title winning sqaud, who have also been performing on the Europa League stage.
When facing the media on Wednesday morning to announce his squad, O'Neill was keen to stress how impressed he's been with Dundalk as a whole as opposed to one or two players.
Congratulations to Andy Boyle & Daryl Horgan from @SSEAirtricityLg Champions @DundalkFC who have received their first call up! #COYBIG #LOI pic.twitter.com/oTuOWPE95w
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 2, 2016
He also pointed to Dundalk's hectic schedule recently, which continues with a Europa League trip to Zenit St Petersburg tomorrow and the Irish Daly Mail FAI Cup final against Cork City at the weekend.
"I said that Horgan would be included in the squad the last time, but they were playing a lot of games and they had matches either side of our games.
"Obviously I have been impressed by ow they have played and how they have competed very strongly in European football.
"Like everything else these are still step-up's to playing iternational football, which is the crem de la creme and we are playing against top class opposition every time we play.
"I have been surprised by the progress they have made but a very pleasant one."
The Ireland manager was asked whether or not he felt the two players could make the step-up and if they be training with the rest of the squad in preperation for the Austrian game.
Without giving a yes or no answer, he pointed to the already mentioned fixtures the two will be involved in.
"I dont think you would ever really know how somebody might do until they are actually playing.
"It's a step up, even for boys playing in the Championship to international football, players have had to get themselves to another level, but have they deserved an opportunity to be with the squad, absolutely.
"I keep in contact with the manager and I'm sure if called upon they can come, tomorrow evening is another big evening for them and then the cup final on Sunday as well so there's lot for them to look forward to before they entertain thoughts about anybody else."
