Doris Included in Ireland Squad But McCarthy Misses Out

Returning manager Andy Farrell has named skipper Doris in his Ireland team for the fall matches, but Joe McCarthy misses out.

Doris, who has not played since having a shoulder operation in the start of May, recently returned to Leinster training, with doubts lingering whether he will be fit to play against New Zealand in the US on November 1.

Second row Joe McCarthy, however, did not make the cut after failing to recover from the foot issue he sustained during the opening Lions Test against the Wallabies in the summer.

Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu and southern province winger Calvin Nash also miss out due to fitness concerns, and full-back Keenan was previously excluded after having a hip operation following the summer tour.

Leinster forward Paddy McCarthy - Joe's younger brother - is the only new player in the 34-player group, however the Irish Rugby Football Union says uncapped provincial duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson and once-capped Connacht winger Bolton will head to the US as "reserves".

Following facing the All Blacks at Soldier Field in a rematch of their previous meeting, the team will play the Brave Blossoms, the Wallabies and world champions South Africa in Dublin.

"There's an exciting look to the squad and there's an opportunity for the veteran players and for the newcomers on the summer tour to the Lelos and the Lobos," commented the coach, back to national team duties after taking a sabbatical to lead the British and Irish Lions to the southern hemisphere.

In a largely familiar-looking squad, the Dublin club's Sam Prendergast and the southern club's Crowley will again vie for the first-choice number 10 position. The fly-half role is still available, as the two players poised to face off for the first occasion in the upcoming URC match at the Dublin venue.

Ciaran Frawley is the third number 10 selected as the coach opting against calling up the province's Harry Byrne.

At scrum-half, the Ireland boss has picked Lions tourist Jamison Gibson-Park and Casey, who led the national side to the summer international wins over the Lelos and Portugal. Additionally, there is a return for Connacht's Blade, who is preferred to teammate Murphy.

Henshaw, Aki, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey form an veteran group of midfield choices. Jamie Osborne is a further choice in the centres, though the youngster is also a leading candidate to deputise for the full-back at full-back.

Outside backs James Lowe, Mack Hansen, Tommy O'Brien and Stockdale are named. O'Brien impressed on his national team debut over the summer with a brace each in the wins over the Lelos and the Lobos.

Paddy McCarthy is the only new addition in the Irish pack. The front rower has been in a couple of Leinster's three United Rugby Championship games this season and played in Ireland A's defeat by the English in Bristol previously.

McCarthy was selected in interim boss Paul O'Connell's summer squad, yet did not receive a international appearance.

Southern province second row Ahern, who received his first two caps in those Tests, is retained, and veteran Ulster second row Henderson returns after missing the summer matches.

Conan, who started all three Lions matches during the tour, is poised to cover for Doris should the skipper does not regain full fitness in time to play the All Blacks.

The national team will assemble in Dublin on the start of the week before flying to the US on Tuesday.

Forwards (19): Ahern (Munster), Baird (Leinster), Bealham (Province), Tadhg Beirne (Province), Jack Boyle (Province), Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Province, capt), Furlong (Province), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Province), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), P McCarthy (Leinster), Porter (Province), C Prendergast (Connacht), Ryan (Province), Sheehan (Leinster), Timoney (Ulster), van der Flier (Province).

Backs (15): Bundee Aki (Province), Blade (Province), Craig Casey (Province), Jack Crowley (Province), Frawley (Province), Jamison Gibson-Park (Province), Mack Hansen (Province), Robbie Henshaw (Province), James Lowe (Province), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Province), S Prendergast (Province), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Stockdale (Ulster).

Times BST

• The national team v New Zealand, 1 November, Soldier Field (20:10)
• The side v the Brave Blossoms, 8 November, Aviva Stadium (12:40)
• Ireland v the Wallabies, 15 November, Dublin (20:10)
• Ireland v the Springboks, November 22, Aviva Stadium (17:40)