Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has suggested that Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood might have played his last game for his country, after leaving the 34-year-old out of his squad for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Westwood, who has made 21 senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland, withdrew from Ireland's last squad ahead of a crucial game against Switzerland in Dublin, but he has since returned to first team action starting for Sheffield Wednesday in the four league games since the last international break.

The 34-year-old has been in good form for Wednesday since Garry Monk took charge of the club, helping his side concede just three goals in four games as the Owls look to climb the Championship table under their new permanent manager, but that form has not been enough to convince McCarthy to select him in his squad.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror (via The Star), McCarthy outlined his reasons for not selecting Westwood in his squad, saying "Keiren’s not going to start if Darren Randolph’s there and the other two lads (Mark Travers and Kieran O’Hara) were brilliant in training.

"So I had that conversation with them. If I need them, they’ll be ready but I think they’re both happy enough with my decision.

“They can concentrate on the (club) football without having to tell me - I’m telling them."

The Verdict

As McCarthy alludes to Westwood, and probably more so Monk and Sheffield Wednesday, will not be too frustrated that he has not been selected into Ireland's squad for their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers, with the 34-year-old now being able to remain around the club's training ground and continue to work under his new manager and get to know what he desires of him.

However, Westwood will be somewhat displeased that his recent good form has not been rewarded with a call up to the international set-up, but as McCarthy suggested he would not be starting games anyway, with Middlesbrough's Darren Randolph Ireland's current number one keeper, so it is perhaps best the 34-year-old does not go away just to sit on the bench.

It will be interesting to see whether that is it in terms of his international career, or whether Westwood is able to force his way back into the Irish squad with his performances during the rest of the season.