Seamus Coleman has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Kosovo, Israel, and Austria, according to announcements made by the Football Association of Ireland. The 37-year-old defender, who earned 81 caps for his country and captained the side, has been without a club since ending a 17-year association with Everton after the 2025-26 season.
Manager Explains Coleman Omission and Future Prospects
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson stated that Coleman’s exclusion from the 26-man squad was primarily the player’s own choice, driven by a desire to avoid taking up a spot from actively training athletes. “His intention is to play, he’s keeping fit, but he hasn’t been training with a club so we felt together, and it was more his decision, that it would be appropriate he sit out this one, mostly because he thought it was unfair to other players that he would be taking up a place,” Hallgrimsson said during his squad announcement, as reported by BBC Sport and The Irish Times. Hallgrimsson added that he intends for Coleman to return to the international setup in the future, hopefully as an active player.
Did you know? Seamus Coleman made 433 appearances for Everton during his 17-year spell at Goodison Park before departing at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Injury Woes and Squad Absentees
Alongside Coleman, fellow veteran Robbie Brady was omitted from the squad because he is also currently without a club, according to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. Meanwhile, team captain Nathan Collins is missing due to a calf injury sustained while playing for Brentford in a 1-1 Premier League draw against Sunderland on September 5, with The Irish Times reporting he is expected to be sidelined for five weeks. Additional squad members left out of contention due to injuries include Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (knee), Jack Taylor (knee), Mikey Johnston (ankle), Oisin McEntee, and QPR defender Jimmy Dunne, who picked up a muscular injury earlier in September.
New Call-Ups and Upcoming Fixtures
Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching has earned his first senior call-up as a left-sided centre-back on a season-long loan from Coventry City. Uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Hibernian attacker Owen Elding are also in contention to win their first caps. The Republic of Ireland squad will travel to face Kosovo on September 24, play Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, host Austria at the Aviva Stadium on October 1, and face Israel again in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on October 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Seamus Coleman left out of the Republic of Ireland squad?
Seamus Coleman was left out because he has been without a club and hasn’t been training with a team since leaving Everton. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson noted that Coleman decided it would be unfair to take up a squad place from other active players.
Who is missing from the Ireland squad due to injury?
Captain Nathan Collins is sidelined with a calf injury. Other injured absentees include Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Mikey Johnston, Oisin McEntee, and Jimmy Dunne.
What are Ireland’s upcoming Nations League fixtures?
The Republic of Ireland plays Kosovo away on September 24, Israel away on September 27, Austria at home on October 1, and Israel again on October 4.
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