Seamus Coleman back for Republic of Ireland after injury

Thu, 07 Nov, 2024 - 14:25

Damian Spellman, PA

Skipper Seamus Coleman has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for this month’s Nations League double-header against Finland and England.

The 36-year-old Everton defender has been included in a 23-man party for the League B2 clashes with the Finns at the Aviva Stadium on November 14th and Lee Carsley’s men at Wembley three days later after recovering from a foot injury.

However, there is no place in the squad for 32-year-old Wolves full-back Matt Doherty, who was assured by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson that he still had a future at international level despite being left out for last month’s trips to Finland and Greece, or Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne.

There is a return too for central defender Shane Duffy, 32, following a good run of form with Sky Bet Championship Norwich, while Luton counterpart Mark McGuinness is also included after missing both games last month through injury.

Stoke’s on-loan Leicester striker Tom Cannon, who made his senior international debut in June’s friendly defeat in Portugal, also makes Hallgrimsson’s squad, as does club-mate Andy Moran, who is on loan with the Potters from Brighton, following his performances for the Under-21s.

Chiedozie Ogbene, Will Smallbone and Robbie Brady, whose goal secured victory in Finland last month, are all currently sidelined.

Ireland are third in the group with three points after last month’s 2-1 win over Finland in Helsinki – the first of Hallgrimsson’s reign at the third attempt – which was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Greece.

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City)

Defenders: Séamus 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 Brom), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton), 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 Brom).