Heimir Hallgrimsson has announced the Republic of Ireland twenty-three player squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the squad.
Who wins from this squad announcement?
Gavin Bazunu is recalled to the senior squad as goalkeeper. The Southampton net minder has had a good start to the club campaign. His loan move to Belgium last season building minutes in his injury recovery.
The goalkeeper depth chart looks incredibly strong with Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers for company. Max O’Leary is completely out due to an ankle injury. Josh Keeley has impressed in League One. Luton Town is eager to earn a call up in the future.
Chiedozie Ogbene also earns a recall to the senior squad after a spell on the sidelines last season. The Ipswich Town midfielder has recovered from an Achilles injury last season. The player will feature at some point during the Hungary and Armenia fixtures.
Killian Phillips is the other big winner from this squad announcement. The St. Mirren midfielder impressed during the Republic of Ireland end of year friendlies last season. Josh Cullen, Jason Knight and Jack Taylor are also named in the midfield depth chart.
Bosun Lawal earns a recall. It is unlikely that the player features but personally I am delighted to see his inclusion. Stoke City have had an excellent start to the season. Lawal has played in all three league games so far. Lawal’s versatility in central defense and midfield will help the national side in time.
Who loses from this squad announcement?
The big omission was Seamus Coleman. Heimir Hallgrimsson outlined to the press, it would have sent the wrong message. Coleman has yet to feature for Everton this season as Jake O’Brien has slotted into the right full back role.
Coleman owes the county absolutely nothing. The question though has to be asked if this is the end of Coleman in the senior setup? The player once more needs to secure first team game minutes for his club for international squad consideration. Hallgrimsson has been decisive on this pick.
Will Smallbone is sidelined by injury but this is an opportunity lost for the player. If the central midfield selected for the first fixture block impress, Smallbone will struggle for game minutes. A watch item as the season progresses.
Republic of Ireland open their campaign against Hungary at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 6 September. They then make the trip to Armenia on Tuesday, 9 September. This block of fixtures are crucial given recent qualification campaign starts.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren).
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).