Phillips called up to Republic of Ireland squad

St. Mirren midfielder Killian Phillips has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming Nations League quadruple-header. The 24-year-old joined Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad in Dublin ahead of the side travelling to Pristina for Thursday's match against Kosovo. He has replaced Hibernian's Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale from Queens Park Rangers, who have both been ruled out through injury. The midfield duo will now join Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins on the sidelines for the four-match international window. Phillips joined St Mirren from Crystal Palace after a successful loan spell and has four caps for the Republic of Ireland. After their away match against Kosovo, Hallgrimsson's side face Israel twice and Austria at home in Group B3. Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching has been handed his first call-up in the initial squad, while uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Owen Elding of Hibernian are in contention for their first caps. Republic of Ireland braced for testing Nations League Coleman not included in Republic of Ireland squad