Leicester City striker Tom Cannon has been given his first Republic of Ireland senior squad call-up for next month's friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.

The 21-year-old, who has one under-21 cap, scored two goals in his 13 appearances in this season's Championship as the Foxes clinched a return to the Premier League.

Interim Republic of Ireland boss John O'Shea had to fill a couple of striker berths with Brighton's Evan Ferguson ruled out by an ankle injury and Luton's Chiedozie Ogbene missing the games for family reasons.

O'Shea has also recalled Celtic centre-back Liam Scales and Dutch-based striker Troy Parrott after they were unavailable for the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March, while Stoke City left-back Enda Stevens also returns.

With Southampton's Gavin Bazunu absent through injury, Bristol City's Max O'Leary and Fleetwood Town's David Harrington join other goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers in the squad.

Norwich City defender Shane Duffy has been included despite facing a drink-driving charge arising from his arrest following a two-car crash at Hethersett, near Norwich earlier this month.

Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins will miss the friendlies because of a knee injury with Festy Ebosele excused from duty following his long season at Udinese and midfielder Alan Browne also missing with O'Shea's blessing as he mulls over a move away from Preston despite the offer of a new contract.

O'Shea said that he had been keen to get Cannon on board for the games in March but didn't want to rush the Leicester striker.

"I was seeing Tom in the Under-21s and know about his talent, what kind of striker he is," added the interim manager.

"I spoke to him and his agent as well and just said ‘take your time and when you’re ready just get back in touch with me’.

"He was with his family when I spoke to him [again] and they were very happy and very proud that he was committing to the Republic of Ireland."

Cannon is among the squad members who ended their clubs seasons on a high with Scales and Adam Idah helping Celtic clinch the League and Cup double in Scotland and Will Smallbone contributing to Southampton's return to the Premier League.

O'Shea laughed off his former international team-mate Damien Duff's claim that he had been "hung out to dry" by the Football Association of Ireland in agreeing to again fill in as interim boss in the home game against Hungary on 4 June and contest with Portugal in Aveiro seven days later, as the six-month search for a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny goes on.

"I don’t feel like that’s the case and Damien is more than entitled to his opinion," said the former Manchester United centre-back.

FAI interim chief executive David Courell said earlier this month that O'Shea was under consideration to take the job on a permanent basis but the Waterford man said his full focus was on the upcoming two games.

"The guarantee I’ve been given is that I'm in charge for the Hungary and Portuguese games.

"Hopefully we’ll get a couple of wins in those games. First and foremost focusing on Hungary. It will be a tough test."

However, O'Shea did acknowledge that "good results will always strengthen your hand for anything".

"It’s a results business football so hopefully that is the case but let’s just wait and see."