Cullen earns first senior Ireland call-up

Josh Cullen

West Ham United youngster Josh Cullen has earned his first call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad.

The midfielder has been drafted into Mick McCarthy's squad for their opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia.

Cullen, currently with League One promotion-challengers Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan, played 14 times at U21 level for his country and will now have his first chance to impress at senior level.

Ireland will travel to Gibraltar on Saturday 23 March before returning home to take on Georgia at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Tuesday 26 March.

The Boys in Green will be aiming for a third consecutive appearance at a Euro finals, having reached the Round of 16 last time out in France three years ago.

Cullen joins former Hammers Darren Randolph and Sean Maguire in McCarthy's selection.