Goalkeeper Colin Doyle admits it is a bit "strange" to be back in the Ireland reckoning after seven years away from the squad. 

The 31-year-old Cork man has one cap dating back to 2007 and only limited call-ups since then.

But as Ireland prepare to take on Austria in Vienna in the upcoming World Cup qualifier, the Bradford City keeper is back in the fold after getting the nod from Martin O'Neill.

But given how long it's been since he was involved, it takes a bit of getting accustomed to as he said at Wednesday's press conference.

"It's pleasing. I think 2009 was my last call-up so it's been strange. It was Portmarnock the last time. I thought I was still going to arrive into Portmarnock," he said.

"I was obviously pleased to see I was in the squad."

His club hadn't initially told him he was in the provisional squad, with a friend informing him with a pictorial text.

Callum O'Dowda ©INPHO/Gary Carr

"It was my mate who texted me congratulations with a picture of an Ireland flag on it. So I sort of put two and two together," said Doyle.

Meanwhile, emerging talent Callum O'Dowda is getting used to life at Bristol City after making the step up from boyhood club Oxford United.

The three-cap 21-year-old says that making the move has given him extra confidence as he rises into Championship level after initially bursting onto the scene at League Two level.

"It's been good. There is a big step up for me. I've noticed that from being at Oxford, there is a physical step up," he said.

"We've had a good start to the season. Recently we haven't been at our best but we've got the individuals to push us through and I think we will be stronger going into the winter."