Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has announced his squad for the upcoming international fixtures and there have been call-ups for two Aston Villa outcasts. 

Both Glenn Whelan and Scott Hogan are included in O'Neill's squad, despite the pair hardly featuring this season for Aston Villa in their disappointing start.

Hogan has made two substitute appearances under Dean Smith as the striker looks to get back to full fitness after a terrible run of injuries.

Whelan is set to win his 85th, and potentially last, cap for his national side and is also set to be made captain when they face Northern Ireland.

The 34-year-old has made just four starts for Aston Villa this season and is likely to find regular appearances difficult to come by, with players like John McGinn and Conor Hourihane ahead of him in the pecking order.

O'Neill announced the news about Whelan in an interview with The 42 ahead of the international break.

"He will play some part of the (Northern Ireland) game, start the match, be captain of the team, if he gets through over the weekend.

"He’ll play for some time and I think that’s proper fitting but yes, a fairly decent chance that I think he will be coming towards the end of his time."

Hogan and Whelan are joined by Hourihane in O'Neill's squad.

The Verdict

It's fitting that Whelan will be made captain on what is likely to be his last appearance for his country, but his call-up seems a nod to service to the national side, whilst Hogan is pretty undeserving of his and it will come as a surprise to many that he's involved.

He is yet to start a league game for Villa this season and hasn't justified a call-up in my opinion.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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