Ipswich Town players Chiedozie Ogbene, Dara O’Shea, Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor called up by Republic of Ireland squad to face Finland and Greece

Ipswich Town players Chiedozie Ogbene, Dara O’Shea, Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor have all been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for this month’s international fixtures.

The Blues quartet are part of Heimir Hallgrimsson’s 24-man squad ahead of back-to-back UEFA Nations League fixtures, in Helsinki, Finland a week today (October 10) before playing in Piraeus, Greece three days later (both 7.45pm BST).

The Irish side will be looking to pick up their first points in League B Group 2 having been beaten by England and Greece in last month’s international break.

It could be a memorable trip for former Peterborough United midfielder Taylor as he looks to win his first cap for the Republic, having played at under-21 level seven times, though this is not his first senior call-up.

Central defender O’Shea has previously won 28 caps, while fellow summer signings Ogbene – 22, scoring four times – and Szmodics – six – will be looking to add to their growing collection for The Boys in Green.

Hallgrimsson’s squad also includes two former Town loanees, in Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar) and Mark McGuinness (Luton Town). The later, like Taylor, is also looking to pick up his first senior cap.

The latest call-ups takes the number set to be away on international duty in Kieran McKenna’s squad to seven, following three having been recently called up between Wales ans Iraq.

They will all depart the club following Saturday’s Premier League fixture away to West Ham United (3pm) which sees the Blues looking to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches and pick up their first victory since promotion to the top tier.

One player who won’t be called up is Jens Cajuste with the on-loan Napoli midfielder, who represents Sweden, having been confirmed as picking up a knee injury.

The 25-year-old has not featured since the 1-1 draw at Southampton.