Attacker Sean Scannell has been named in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for the first time.

The 17-year-old, who was recently awarded the prized Irish Examiner National Junior Sports award, was due to link up with Sean McCaffrey's U19s for two friendlies against France. 

But Scannell has now been upgraded to Ireland's U21 squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifier against Montenegro at Terryland Park on Tuesday March 25th.

The Irish take on Montenegro in their final home match of the qualifying campaign and will be looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat when the sides met in Podgorica last November.