Late call-up sees Preston North End striker Sean Maguire join Alan Browne in Republic of Ireland squad

The 26-year-old was not named in the initial party for the Nations League fixtures against Bulgaria and Finland which will be played later in the week.

However, an injury to Tottenham’s Troy Parrott – suffered with loan club Millwall – has opened the door for Maguire to get back in.

The striker will have North End team-mate Alan Browne for company, Browne having been included in the squad from the start.

Their international duty means they will miss this week’s pre-season training schedule with PNE.

That schedule includes three games against Premier League opposition.

North End host Burnley at Deepdale on Tuesday afternoon, travel to Sheffield United on Friday and then play Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Maguire and Browne played in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Mansfield in the Carabao Cup, the frontman scoring the second goal after being sent clear by Josh Harrop’s pass. Maguire played up front, with Browne again used at right-back, a position which Alex Neil rates him highly in.

The Republic of Ireland play Bulgaria in Sofia on Thursday, then face Finland in Dublin on Sunday.

Maguire and Browne will then re-join the North End squad for the build-up to the Championship opener with Swansea in September 12.

All of the Irish squad have been given dispensation by the Irish government from having to quarantine on their arrival in Dublin – both over the weekend after joining up and on their return from Bulgaria.

Having an international break just before the start of the season is not ideal from a club point of view but is something all managers are having to live with – the current Covid-19 climate means compromises are having to be made.

The shortened campaign will contain the usual number of international windows with play-offs for next summer’s Euros being played in the autumn.

There is an international break in early October, between North End’s trip to Brentford and the home clash with Cardiff – one which should hopefully see fans back at Deepdale.

Then in November there is a fortnight’s gap in the league programme for another round of international games.