Hibs star lands emergency international call-up after spate of injuries
McGrath to face Qataris and Canadians in friendly matches
Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath has earned a late call-up to the Republic of Ireland for their friendlies against Qatar and Canada.
McGrath has been capped 13 times by the Irish and has been summoned by head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson after his squad was decimated by injuries.
Hallgrímsson will be without Ryan Manning, Andrew Omobamidele, Alan Browne, Finn Azaz and Alex Gilbert for the double header after they were deemed unfit to join the Irish camp.
In addition to McGrath, St Mirren midfielder Killian Phillips - who plays in the Premiership play-off on Monday - has also been called up.
McGrath’s last call up for Republic of Ireland came in November last year. He was not part of the group that failed to reach the World Cup after losing to Czechia in the play-offs back in March.
McGrath will link up with clubmate Owen Elding, who has been training with the Irish ahead of his citizenship being confirmed by the relevant authorities.
“Jamie McGrath has been called up to the latest Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming friendlies versus Qatar and Canada!” Hibs posted on social media.
“Jamie joins fellow Hibee Owen Elding in the squad, with the young forward integrating with the team while the final stages of his citizenship process is completed.”
McGrath will now hope to play against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night in Dublin before facing the Canadians at Saputo Stadium in Montreal on June 6.