Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy will not raid the Under-21s for Albion duo Aaron Connolly and Jayson Molumby as he prepares to test the depth of his squad in Tuesday night's friendly clash with Bulgaria.

McCarthy, who fast-tracked the likes of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff into the senior set-up during his first spell in charge of the national team, was at Tallaght Stadium on Friday to see the Under-21s turn in an accomplished display in a European Championship qualifying victory over Armenia.

However, despite being hugely impressed by Albion duo Molumby and frontman Connolly in a game which was won by 17-year-old Tottenham striker Troy Parrott's debut goal, he will not dismantle Stephen Kenny's squad ahead of their qualifier in Sweden.

McCarthy, who confirmed he will make changes against the Bulgarians, said: "Have they got a qualifier tomorrow? Then why on earth would I call them in? I just think that would be wrong of me. The 21's want to qualify for a competition.

"I was extremely impressed, certainly by Connolly - I thought he was the pick of the bunch - Molumby as well.

"But certainly Connolly, he was the one that caught the eye."

Asked if it is the role of the Under-21s to produce senior players, McCarthy added: "Yes, and strangely enough, we might qualify for the Euros and they might all be travelling or have been playing here.

"I'm not sure that if I play them in a friendly against Bulgaria, it will tell me that they can compete in a game against Georgia away or Switzerland away or Denmark at home.

"It's a competitive game against Sweden and I'm sure I'll learn more from that than I would in a friendly."