Carlisle United's Crystal Palace loanee gets Under-21 call

The 20-year-old has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad.

Grehan is part of a 24-man squad for a European Championship qualifier against San Marino next Friday.

The call-up could rule the defender out of contention for United’s League One game against Stevenage the following day.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸! 💚

Your U21s squad for the Euro Qualifier against San Marino 🇮🇪

Jim Crawford hands first call-ups to Alex Murphy, Mark O’Mahony, Andrew Wogan and Calum Kavanagh 🤝

Full details 🗞️👉 https://t.co/HLRyKlCsJb#IRLU21 | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/DZASgEohrM

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 14, 2024

But that is unlikely to greatly affect Paul Simpson’s plans given that Grehan has found game time limited since joining United from Crystal Palace in January.

The young defender has made just two substitute appearances so far, whilst also figuring in reserve and county cup games.

Calum Kavanagh, son of ex-Carlisle manager Graham, is also in the Under-21 squad (Image: PA)

He was not in the 18-man squad for United’s last two games against Charlton Athletic and Barnsley.

Grehan, who has four Under-21 caps to date, is joined in the latest squad by Bradford City striker Calum Kavanagh, son of ex-Blues manager Graham, who has been called up for the first time.

Next Friday’s game is played at the San Marino Stadium at 5pm UK time.