Republic of Ireland Squad Faces Changes Ahead of UEFA Nations League
Séamus Coleman and Nathan Collins are both missing from the Republic of Ireland squad for the opening UEFA Nations League window – and it leaves a very different look to the dressing room.
Coleman, the long-time standard-bearer at right back, is out as he searches for a new club. Collins, now captain and the defensive pillar of this team, has been ruled out after limping off in Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland on 5 September. Bees manager Keith Andrews later confirmed a calf injury, with the centre-back only expected back after the international break.
So Ireland turn to new blood.
New faces in a reshaped defence
Liam Kitching, fresh from helping Coventry City to promotion to the Premier League last season, has been handed his first senior call-up. The left-sided centre-back is back in the Championship on loan at Sheffield United, but his international stock has never been higher. In a squad stripped of its most experienced defender, his inclusion carries extra weight.
He is not the only newcomer. Cardiff City’s Joel Bagan, another left-sided option, is again in the frame. The former under-21 international was picked for the May friendly against Grenada but had to pull out through injury. Now he returns as cover at left back, with a debut finally within reach.
Up front, Hibernian striker Owen Elding – once of Sligo Rovers – also steps into senior contention for the first time. He is one of several attacking options vying for a first cap during a demanding four-game stretch.
The absences stack up quickly. Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Josh Cullen (knee) are longer-term casualties. Mikey Johnston and Jack Taylor are also sidelined with ankle and knee problems respectively, while QPR defender Jimmy Dunne picked up a muscular injury earlier this month. Veteran duo Coleman and Robbie Brady remain unattached at club level, leaving a leadership void as well as gaps in the full-back positions.
Tough schedule, tight margins
The calendar offers no soft landing for this reshaped squad. Ireland open away to Kosovo at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina next Thursday. Three days later they meet Israel in Debrecen, Hungary.
Then comes Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October – the standout home fixture of the window – before a ‘home’ clash with Israel is played behind closed doors at Backa Topola in Serbia on Sunday, 4 October. Four games, four different venues, and a group forced to grow up quickly.
Full Republic of Ireland squad
- Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Max O'Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Gavin Bazunu (Bolton Wanderers)
- Defenders: James Abankwah (Udinese), Joel Bagan (Cardiff City), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), John Egan (Hull City), Liam Kitching (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic)
- Midfielders: Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Harvey Vale (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City)
- Forwards: Owen Elding (Hibernian), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Jack Moylan (Cardiff City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Lincoln City), Troy Parrott (Real Betis), Rocco Vata (Watford), Tom Cannon (Sheffield United)
Experience has walked out of this window with Coleman and Collins. What’s left is a squad heavy on potential, light on caps, and about to find out very quickly if promise can survive Nations League pressure.
