A victory across both matches will ensure that Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side retains their League B status.
Heimir Hallgrímsson has named his 23-man Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League play-offs against Bulgaria.
Watford duo, James Abankwah and Rocco Vata have been included in the squad for the first time, whilst QPR defender Jimmy Dunne aims to earn his first senior international cap next week after receiving acall-up. Dunne has been included in earlier rosters, under Martin O’Neill and Stephen Kenny, but has not feautured yet.
Bristol City forward Sinclair Armstrong returns to the team for the first time since his international debut against the Netherlands in October 2023.
Injuries to Sammie Szmodics, along with wingers Festy Ebosele and Kasey McAteer, have reduced Hallgrímsson’s attacking choices, but he can call on AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott and Celtic’s Adam Idah, who has 14 goals in 43 appearances for the Scottish side this season.
Ireland will head to Plovdiv, Bulgaria for the initial leg of the promotion/relegation play-off on Thursday, March 20, starting at 7.45pm (Irish Time), before coming back to Dublin to play Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, March 23, also at 7.45pm, in order to determine Ireland’s UEFA Nations League future.
Republic of Ireland squad to face Bulgaria:
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liége, on loan from Southampton).
Defenders: Jake O’Brien (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough)
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (West Ham United, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).