Republic of Ireland Squad Changes for UEFA Nations League

Séamus Coleman and Nathan Collins are both missing from the Republic of Ireland squad for the opening UEFA Nations League window, leaving a new-look group to carry the load across four games.

Collins, the captain, had been a major doubt ever since he limped off in the first half of Brentford's 1-1 draw with Sunderland on 5 September. Brentford manager Keith Andrews later confirmed a calf injury and indicated the centre-back would not be back until after the international break. Coleman, meanwhile, remains without a club and sits this one out alongside long-time team-mate Robbie Brady, who is also unattached.

So Ireland turn to fresh faces.

New blood at the back

Liam Kitching, on loan at Sheffield United from Coventry City, receives his first senior call-up. The left-sided centre-back played his part in Coventry’s promotion to the Premier League last season, then dropped back into the Championship on a season-long deal at Bramall Lane. Now he steps straight into an Ireland squad suddenly short on experience on the right and in the heart of defence.

Joel Bagan also returns to the frame. The Cardiff City full-back, another left-sided option and a former Ireland under-21, had been named in the May squad for the friendly against Grenada but pulled out through injury. This time he’s fit and provides natural cover at left-back.

Up front, Hibernian striker Owen Elding, once of Sligo Rovers, is rewarded with a first senior call. All three – Kitching, Bagan and Elding – are in contention for debut caps during a congested four-game stretch that will test Ireland’s depth and resilience.

Injury list bites

The absentees do not stop with Collins and Coleman.

Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Josh Cullen (knee) are ruled out for the longer term, stripping Ireland of a marquee attacking talent and a key midfield anchor. Mikey Johnston and Jack Taylor are also sidelined, again with ankle and knee problems respectively, while Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne picked up a muscular injury earlier this month and misses out despite being listed among the defenders.

The result is a squad that leans heavily on emerging players and those rebuilding form at club level.

Nations League road stretch

The schedule offers no easing-in period. The Boys in Green open away to Kosovo at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina next Thursday, before heading to Debrecen, Hungary, to meet Israel the following Sunday.

After that, Austria arrive at Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October, in what should be the marquee home fixture of the window. Ireland then “host” Israel again three days later, this time behind closed doors at Backa Topola in Serbia on Sunday, 4 October.

Four matches, three different countries, one home crowd. It is a demanding route for a squad in transition.

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)

With stalwarts watching from the outside and a clutch of uncapped players stepping into the light, this Nations League campaign will show quickly whether Ireland are building a new core or simply trying to patch the gaps.