SAINTS defender Ryan Manning has been called up to Republic of Ireland after teammate Will Smallbone was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Smallbone had initially been included in Ireland’s 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League play-off against Bulgaria.

However, he will miss out after sustaining a groin injury. The midfielder was absent from the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Wolves on Saturday.

Saints defender Manning, who has 13 senior caps for Ireland, will now take Smallbone's place in the squad ahead of the crucial two-legged tie.

Speaking ahead of Wolves, Saints boss Ivan Juric admitted: "Will Smallbone has a groin problem. His physicality is not at a huge level.

"I think his weakness is physicality. We have started to work on his physicality in the gym, and in some situations, he can become more aggressive."