Everton defender Shane Duffy has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad as cover for injured Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne.

Duffy's call-up for this month's friendly against Czech Republic comes following an injury to Dunne.

Dunne suffered a fractured clavicle (collarbone) during Aston Villa's Premier League defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, the Football Association of Ireland announced on Monday.

The 20-year-old Duffy will join up with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for training on February 26, three days before the friendly with Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium.

Duffy played for Northern Ireland at various levels before earning a call up to the full squad under coach Nigel Worthington.

He did not play for the senior side though, and in February 2010 Duffy confirmed he was switching allegiances to the Republic of Ireland.

In May 2010 Duffy was rushed to hospital in Dublin after suffering a horrific injury during a Republic training game, rupturing his hepatic artery, but after undergoing life-saving surgery he was able to return to action later in the same year.