Forrester one of three new faces in 40-man provisional Ireland squad

Martin O’Neill has included Chris Forrester in an enlarged 40-man squad ahead of the March friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia.

The former Bohemians and St Pat’s midfielder has been in impressive form for English League One side Peterborough United since leaving the Saints in August.

Speaking at the press conference to announce the squad, O’Neill said: "He’s done very well. I watched one of the games he’s played in and the reports have been very good.

“I’ve had a voice message from Barry Fry to tell me how brilliant he is as well, which is hardly surprising from Barry."

Matt Doherty, the versatile full-back from Wolves, and midfielder Jonathan Hayes from Aberdeen are also called-up to the senior squad for the first time.

O’Neill also announced that Jack Byrne and Alan Browne will be invited to take part in training sessions with the senior squad.

The Ireland manager has been impressed with the Byrne’s performances on-loan at Dutch side SC Cambuur. The Ireland manager said he has yet to see him play live, but has seen watched him on DVD.

The former Celtic manager also revealed he has not spoken to Damien Delaney, saying he had enough in reserve at centre-back and would rather look at younger players like Blackburn Rovers' Shane Duffy.

Defending his decision O’Neill said: “I’ve got one or two younger lads that are coming through like Shane Duffy that I feel have international football ahead of him. Damien is 34 and Shane isn’t.”

Shay Given, who will be 40 when the tournament starts, misses out as he steps up his training as he recovers from a knee injury.

The squad will be narrowed down just before the players meet up on March 20^th.

Ireland taken on Switzerland on Friday March 25^th and Slovakia on Tuesday March 29^th at the Aviva Stadium.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), David Forde (Millwall), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United).

Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Derby County), Séamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John O’Shea (Sunderland), Alex Pearce (Bristol City on-loan from Derby County), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Paul McShane (Reading), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Greg Cunningham (Preston North End), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Robbie Brady (Norwich City).

Midfielders: James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Darron Gibson (Everton), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Rotherham United), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), David Meyler (Hull City), Stephen Quinn (Reading), Aiden McGeady (Sheffield Wednesday – on-loan from Everton), James McClean (West Brom), Alan Judge (Brentford), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City).

Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), Anthony Stokes (Celtic – on-loan at Hibernian), Simon Cox (Reading).