Seamus Coleman Returns to Republic of Ireland Squad for Nations League Fixtures

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman, now recovered from injury, has been selected for the national squad ahead of the forthcoming Nations League fixtures against Finland and England. His previous injury occurred during the Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 loss to England in September. The 36-year-old Everton defender was absent from the October matches against Finland and Greece, having sustained a leg injury during the September 2-0 defeat to England. Also returning to Heimir Hallgrimsson’s 23-player roster is Norwich defender Shane Duffy, alongside Stoke striker Tom Cannon. However, Wolves’ Matt Doherty and Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne were not included in the squad. Midfielder Andy Moran has received his inaugural senior call-up, a recognition of his strong showings for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21 team. Luton Town defender Mark McGuinness, who has not yet played for the senior national side, maintains his position in the squad after being sidelined by injury for the October fixtures. Robbie Brady, Andrew Omobamidele, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jack Taylor, and Will Smallbone are all unavailable due to injury for these significant upcoming matches. The Republic of Ireland is scheduled to play Finland at the Aviva Stadium on November 14, followed by a match against England at Wembley three days later. Last month, the team’s Icelandic manager achieved his first victory since taking charge on his third attempt, securing a 2-1 win against Finland in Helsinki. This was subsequently followed by a 2-0 loss in Greece. Hallgrimsson’s squad currently occupies third place in League B Group 2. As they approach their concluding group stage matches, they are aware that their outcome will either result in relegation from League B or necessitate participation in a relegation/promotion play-off in 2025. Hallgrimsson stated, “This will be our last chance to experiment, give players the chance to play.” He further explained, “Even though we want to take steps and progress as a team, we also like to see some players get their minutes because next year all matches will be important matches [when the World Cup qualifiers begin].” The full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City). Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City). Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion). Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).