Ireland faces a return to competitive action under manager Heimir Hallgrímsson as the Boys in Green prepare for an upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign that kicks off with a match in Kosovo on September 24th. With the squad announcement slated for Thursday, injuries and club situations have opened the door for several uncapped players to enter the senior setup.
Defensive and Midfield Contenders Face Selection Window
Sheffield United defender Liam Kitching is in contention for his first senior call-up after completing the process for an Irish passport, making him available for selection according to reports from IFB Media. The 26-year-old played a significant role in Coventry City’s promotion campaign last season before making a summer move to Sheffield United. Meanwhile, the midfield ranks face depletion. Josh Cullen and Jack Taylor are sidelined with injuries, and Will Smallbone remains without a club following his departure from Southampton, creating a potential opening for 19-year-old Hibernian midfielder Jacob Devaney. Devaney impressed during a loan spell at St Mirren during the second half of last season and has continued to draw attention since joining Hibs over the summer.
Wide Attackers and Strikers Surge in Form
Trent Kone-Doherty has emerged as a strong option to bolster Ireland’s wide attacking depth following a prolific run with Molde. The 20-year-old winger has netted nine goals in his last six appearances, including two hat-tricks this season with the most recent coming against HamKam over the weekend. Fellow Hibernian player Owen Elding looks all but certain to receive a senior call-up after a delayed eligibility process involving his Irish passport. Hallgrímsson has maintained contact with Elding over the past twelve months and previously brought him into a summer training camp before he was eligible to play.
https://x.com/IFBMedia/status/2098164584980832271
Did you know? Heimir Hallgrímsson previously integrated Owen Elding into summer training camps purely to familiarise the young striker with the international setup well before his documentation was finalized.
Fullback Solutions and European Ambitions
Right-back and left-back positions present notable selection hurdles for Hallgrímsson. Seamus Coleman remains without a club and Matt Doherty has logged limited minutes at Sheffield United, which could pave the way for Charlton Athletic’s Danny McNamara to earn his first senior cap following consistent Championship performances. On the left flank, Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan offers a reliable option after playing every minute of his club’s league campaign, having previously been forced to withdraw from a summer squad before joining the group. Up front, 24-year-old Armstrong Oko-Flex has revived his career at Levski Sofia after earlier stints across the UK and Europe. Oko-Flex has contributed six goals and one assist this season, with a European debut anticipated against RB Salzburg in the Europa League.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ireland begin its UEFA Nations League campaign?
Ireland starts its campaign with an away fixture in Kosovo on September 24th.
Who is favored to make the jump straight to the senior squad?
Hibs striker Owen Elding is widely anticipated to bypass the under-21 setup and move directly into the senior squad following strong club form and prior involvement with manager Heimir Hallgrímsson.
Why are midfield options limited for this international window?
Midfield choices are restricted because Josh Cullen and Jack Taylor are currently injured, while Will Smallbone is without a club after leaving Southampton.
Join the Conversation
Which uncapped player do you want to see start against Kosovo? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for further squad updates.