Republic of Ireland Faces Changes with Key Players Missing 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 changing of the guard feel to an already injury-hit group.
Collins, the captain, had been a major doubt since limping off in the first half of Brentford's 1-1 draw at Sunderland on 5 September. Brentford manager Keith Andrews later confirmed a calf injury and indicated the centre-back is not expected back until after the international break. Coleman, meanwhile, is out of the picture for different reasons: the veteran right back, like long-time team-mate Robbie Brady, is currently without a club.
So the door swings open for fresh faces.
New blood in defence
Liam Kitching headlines the newcomers. The Harrogate-born defender has earned his first senior call-up, rewarded after playing a part in Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League last season. His momentum at the top level stalled when he returned to the Championship on a season-long loan at Sheffield United from 1 September, but his left-sided profile and versatility now bolster Ireland’s defensive options.
He is not the only uncapped defender in the squad. Joel Bagan, the Cardiff City left back, returns to the fold and is again in line for a debut. The former Ireland Under-21 international had been named in the May squad for the friendly against Grenada but was forced to pull out through injury. This time, he arrives fit and with a clear path to minutes in a reshaped back line.
Up front, Hibernian striker Owen Elding – once of Sligo Rovers – is also in contention for a first cap, adding another new attacking option during a demanding four-game block.
Injury list grows
The absentees do not end with Collins and Coleman. Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Josh Cullen (knee) remain longer-term injury victims and miss out. Mikey Johnston and Jack Taylor are also sidelined with ankle and knee issues respectively, while QPR defender Jimmy Dunne picked up a muscular injury earlier this month, further stretching defensive depth.
For a squad already leaning on new faces, the casualty list forces more responsibility onto emerging players and those on the fringes of previous camps.
Nations League schedule
Ireland’s campaign opens away to Kosovo at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina next Thursday. Three days later, they meet Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on the Sunday.
Austria then visit the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October, in the standout home fixture of the window. Ireland’s ‘home’ clash against Israel follows on Sunday, 4 October, but will be played behind closed doors at Backa Topola in Serbia.
Four games, little margin for error, and a squad that looks very different to the one that carried so much of the load in recent years.
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 senior pillars missing and debutants queuing up, this Nations League window will show whether the next wave of Irish talent is ready to carry the shirt into a new cycle.
