St. Mirren defender Conor McCarthy has been called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifier away to Italy.

The Cork native joined up with manager Jim Crawford and the squad last night, ahead of today's opening training session in Johnstown House.

McCarthy (22) has made 22 appearances for The Buddies since signing with them in January, 18 of those in the Scottish Premiership.

He is uncapped at under-21 level, but he was part of Stephen Kenny's home-based under-21 squad that played the Ireland Amateur team in February 2019.

6 October 2020; Michael Obafemi during a Republic of Ireland U21's training session at Johnstown House in Meath. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Crawford will now have 23 players to choose from for next Tuesday's match against the Azzurri in Pisa.

The young Boys in Green currently top Group A on 16 points while Italy are in second place on 13 points and also have a game in hand.

Bray Wanderers goalkeeper Brian Maher, St. Patrick's Athletic defender Luke McNally and Shamrock Rovers duo Brandon Kavanagh and Dean Williams will train with the squad this week in Ireland.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers)
Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Conor Masterson (Queens Park Rangers), Conor McCarthy (St. Mirren), Danny McNamara (St Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Thomas O’Connor (Southampton), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Will Ferry (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Daniel Mandroiu (Bohemians), Connor Ronan (Grasshopper Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)
Attackers: Jonathan Afolabi (Dundee, on loan from Celtic), Zach Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Neil Farrugia (Shamrock Rovers), Joshua Kayode (Carlisle United, on loan from Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Southampton)

UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier - Group 1
13/10/2020: Ireland v Republic of Ireland, Arena Garibaldi, Pisa, 4.30pm (Irish time)