Stephen Ireland impressed in the Manchester derby last weekend

Manchester City midfielder Ireland and Bolton right-back O'Brien are enjoying impressive seasons for their clubs.

The teenagers could be named in the squad for Staunton's opening game against Sweden on 1 March.

"We have got talent coming through as we have seen with young Ireland and Joey O'Brien," said Staunton.

Ireland's progress at City has been remarkable, and although boss Stuart Pearce has been carefully nurturing the 17-year-old, it is difficult to hold back such talent.

He has already made 18 appearances this season, including 11 starts, notably producing a stand-out performance in Saturday's 3-1 local derby victory over Manchester United in the Premiership.

Similarly, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has conceded O'Brien "was not on the radar" at the start of the season, but the 19-year-old has managed to make the right-back role his own at the Reebok Stadium.

Staunton is keen to look at some new talent in the friendly against Sweden.

To be progressive we have to look further than just the present crop Sir Bobby Robson

"Friendlies are there for a purpose. Yes, we want to win and we'd love to win, but we will be trying to bring in one or two newcomers," said Staunton.

"It might be a bit early for that and maybe we will just bring the squad in, who knows. But we're looking at getting a squad together that can move us forward.

"What happened in the last campaign is gone. We are now looking to the future. That's what I will say."

Sir Bobby Robson, Ireland's new international football consultant, is also acutely aware of the need for fresh blood.

"To be progressive we have to look further than just the present crop," insisted Robson.

"Are there any young players coming through? We will search high and low."

Sunderland midfielder Liam Lawrence is also hoping to catch the eye of the new Republic management.

Lawrence, who scored against Chelsea on Sunday, is qualified to play for the Republic because of the grandparent rule and he has already applied for an Irish passport.

"It's important to concentrate on my career with Sunderland but if I do that and keep playing well, I can only improve my chances of playing international football," the 24-year-old told the Sunderland official website.