Academy defender Corey Whelan has been named in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for friendly encounters with Czech Republic and Slovakia.

A regular member of Michael Beale's U23s group, the 18-year-old has been called up by Ireland boss Noel King for the two matches in Spain.

The Republic of Ireland U21 squad will be in La Manga to prepare for the 2019 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifiers.

As part of the training camp, they play Czech Republic on Saturday November 12 before facing Slovakia on Tuesday November 15.

Whelan, who is equally at home playing at right-back or centre-half, joined Liverpool from Crewe Alexandra as an U10 player.