Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has announced his 24-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Armenia.
Former Limerick FC player Chiedozie Ogbene is included in the squad following an impressive cameo against Hungary in September.
There’s a first international call-up since 2023 for Hull City’s John Egan. It’s the first time the 32-year-old has been called up in Hallgrímsson’s Ireland stint.
Troy Parrott and Festy Ebosele return from injury, while Jayson Molumby, Will Smallbone, and Seamus Coleman are also named in the squad.
Ireland opened their World Cup qualifying campaign at the beginning of September with a pair of games against Hungary and Armenia.
Adam Idah’s last-gasp goal in Dublin sealed a point against Hungary, which was followed by an embarrassing loss away to Armenia.
Hallgrímsson’s squad contains a staggering seven changes from those two games, no doubt a reaction to the defeat in Yerevan.
In terms of those missing out, Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty is ruled out through injury, as are Bosun Lawal and Jason Knight.
Ireland travel to Lisbon to face Nations League winners Portugal on October 11, before hosting Armenia the following Tuesday evening at the Aviva Stadium.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Callum O’Dowda (Ferencvaros).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Millwall), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton).
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town).
Fixtures:
11 October – Portugal v Republic of Ireland, Estádio José Alvalade, 7.45pm
14 October – Republic of Ireland v Armenia, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm