John O’Shea and Shane Long have remained in the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2016 play-offs despite struggling through injury.

The national team coach Martin O’Neill decided to trim down his provisional squad to 30 names, and he opted against leaving out his two senior players.

It is clear that the manager wants to give the pair the best possible opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the Bosnia double-header, where the Irish are 2.20 (6/5) to qualify.

John O’Shea is already suspended for the first leg taking place in Zenica, but he is also a major doubt for the second match through a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Southampton forward Shane Long is doubtful with an ankle problem, but he remains in the squad as well.

The likes of Shay Given and David McGoldrick have been dropped due to injury, with seven more footballers left out.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: David Forde (Millwall), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United);

Defenders: Richard Keogh (Derby County), Marc Wilson (Stoke City), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Derby County), John O’Shea (Sunderland), Alex Pearce (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Paul McShane (Reading), Stephen Ward (Burnley);

Midfielders: Robbie Brady (Norwich City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Darron Gibson (Everton), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Aiden McGeady (Everton), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Judge (Brentford), David Meyler (Hull City), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City);

Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids).