Shamrock Rovers midfielder Josh O'Dwyer has received his maiden senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their friendly against Canada in Montreal. The 16-year-old joins club-mate Matt Healy and St Patrick's Athletic's Kian Leavy as first-time selections under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. O'Dwyer, who has represented Ireland at under-15 and under-17 levels, will join Red Bull Salzburg in July after impressing scouts with his performances.

O'Dwyer enters the squad as a "training player" to gain experience before linking up with the Under-17s next week. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed he'll learn from the senior setup ahead of his upcoming international commitments. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Travers and midfielders Conor Coventry and Dawson Devoy have also joined the traveling party after missing Thursday's 1-0 victory over Qatar in Dublin.

Several established players have returned to their clubs as part of the pre-arranged squad management plan. Caoimhin Kelleher, Dara O'Shea, Jayson Molumby and Jack Moylan departed the camp following the Qatar win. The match kicks off at 00:30 BST on Saturday at Montreal's Stade Saputo, providing O'Dwyer with a chance to test himself against World Cup co-hosts.

This call-up reflects Ireland's strategy of integrating promising young talent into the senior environment early. At just 16, O'Dwyer becomes one of the youngest players to join a senior Ireland squad, signaling the FAI's investment in youth development ahead of future campaigns.