Martin O'Neill has been in contact with six foot two inch, 22-year-old Derby full-back Cyrus Christie about declaring for the Republic of Ireland.

However, reports that he may be drafted into the senior squad in time for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany next Tuesday are premature.

It has been established that the Rams defender qualifies for Ireland, and has expressed an interest in doing so, but getting international clearance at this stage, with six days before the game in Gelsenkirchen and the match against Gibraltar before that in Dublin on Saturday, is unlikely.

O'Neill has Hull City full-back Brian Lenihan in the squad after his surprise call-up for the senior side this week, while his clubmate David Meyler, who was used at the right side of defence in the recent friendly against Oman, and John O'Shea are also options for the games.

O’Neill’s hand has been forced by the hamstring injury to Séamus Coleman, who has been left out of the squad along with fellow Everton regular James McCarthy.