NOEL KING has called on Sean Scannell and his teammates to push the Republic of Ireland towards next summer’s European Under 21 Championships.

Town’s new frontline signing, who will be in action in today’s friendly at Oldham, is in coach King’s squad for the key qualifier against Turkey in Sligo on Tuesday, August 14.

The Republic drew 2-2 with Group 7 leaders Italy at the same venue in June, and are currently two points adrift of the second-placed Turks with two games in hand.

A strong finish to the campaign – they have three qualifiers left – could earn them a trip to the finals in Israel, with the 10 group winners and four best runners-up going through.

King said: "The Turkey game is massive for us. We have three very big games left, and we have to pick up where we left off against Italy in June.

"We will be looking for the Sligo public to come out and give us the same fabulous support we’ve had at the Showgrounds so far in the tournament.

"I’d love to see supporters coming from further afield to support the lads as well, because we have a real chance of making the finals."

Scannell, signed from Crystal Palace, has nine Under 21 caps to his name and has also played for the Under 17, 18, 19 and B teams.

Scannell’s Town teammate Jordan Rhodes has been a key man in Scotland’s qualification campaign.

Rhodes is set to be in the senior squad for the friendly against Australia in Edinburgh on Wednesday, August 15.

But Town centre-back Murray Wallace has been handed a first Under call-up for Scotland’s friendly against Belgium at Dunfermline on August 14.

All three will be ruled out of Town’s Capital One Cup first-round tie at Preston on Monday, August 13.