FAI left it up to John O’Shea whether to include Shane Duffy in his squad for the friendlies against Hungary and Portugal

The Derry man (32) was included in O’Shea’s 26-man squad for a friendly double-header at home to Hungary next Tuesday and away to Portugal a week later.

There is a first senior call-up for U-21 cap Tom Cannon, who is back in the Irish fold after he took time out to make a decision on his international future, a recall for veteran Enda Stevens, while Festy Ebosele, Alan Browne and the uncapped Kasey McAteer were left out due to injury and contract issues.

Duffy – who has been capped 60 times by his country – captained Ireland in Stephen Kenny’s final game last year but missed the March window.

There was a question mark over his participation for this camp following the drink-drive charges.

Norfolk police confirmed that Duffy was charged “with driving whilst unfit through drink” on May 6 and he will appear before Norwich Magistrates’ Court on July 2.

“People make mistakes, but they have the chance to redeem themselves as well,” O’Shea said when asked if he had any unease about picking Duffy.

He also said there was no pressure from the FAI regarding the matter.

“I spoke to Shane to see where he was in terms of the end of the season. He was unequivocal in terms of his passion to play for Ireland and to be involved.

“It’s obviously not good [the court case], but we have to support people as well. He’s been a big player for Ireland and it’s important to support people too. He will have that support with Ireland.”

While the FAI have yet to offer any commitment to O’Shea beyond this second caretaker stint, he’s pleased to have U-21 cap Cannon involved.

The squad will also be freshened up when U-21 players Bosun Lawal, Andy Moran and Josh Keeley come in to train on Friday ahead of their own underage camp in Croatia a week later.

Cannon qualifies through an Irish grandparent and scored on his debut in green in an U-21 friendly in Cork in March of last year – but he then backed away from Ireland duty as he wanted time to assess his options.

He’s since moved from Everton to Leicester City in a £7m deal and helped the Foxes win promotion back to the Premier League.

He’s keen to play for Ireland again.

“He’s looking forward to it and he’s excited to come in for these two games. I’m sure it will be the case that he will be committed,” O’Shea said, adding that Cannon’s clubmate McAteer is also committed to the cause but asked to be excused due to a series of injuries.

“I tried to get him [Cannon] in for the March window. Seeing Tom with the U-21s, I know what a talent he is, what type of striker he is. I spoke to him and his agent and said, ‘Take your time. When you are ready get back in touch with me’.

“Thankfully, they did and we were able to have another conversation.

“He was with his family when I spoke to him and they were very proud and very happy to be committing to the Republic of Ireland.”