PAUL McShane could miss out on Euro 2016 after the Reading FC skipper was omitted from the latest Republic of Ireland squad.
McShane was part of Martin O'Neill's original 35-man team and had been training with them for a week.
But on Monday the 30-year-old centre-back was one of four players released by O'Neill, whose side face Netherlands in a friendly this Friday night.
McShane, along with ex-Reading players Alex Pearce and Jonny Hayes plus Cardiff's Anthony Pilkington, have been placed on stand-by as cover for injuries.
But it appears none are in O'Neill's long-term plans, meaning McShane is unlikely to add to his 31 international caps at the tournament, which kicks off on June 10.
O'Neill will finalise his 23-man squad for the finals in France after the friendly against Netherlands in Dublin.
Royals midfielder Stephen Quinn is likely to make the final cut and could play a key role for Ireland in Euro 2016.
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