Republic of Ireland Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, including forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury.

Ferguson, who is on loan at AS Roma from Brighton and scored in the 1-0 victory against Armenia in October, sustained the injury during a match against Parma on October 29. Despite this setback, he has been named in the 25-man squad for the final two group games, starting with a home match against Portugal on Thursday, November 13 (19:45 GMT), followed by an away game in Hungary on Sunday, November 16 (14:00 GMT).

As Hallgrimsson's team heads into the final round of matches in Group F, they currently sit in third place, just one point behind Hungary, who will face Armenia in their first match. The team is aware that a loss to the group leaders, Portugal, could jeopardize their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning will miss the match against Portugal due to suspension, although both players are included in the squad. Mark Sykes makes a return despite his club, Bristol City, announcing he will be sidelined for their next two games due to a leg injury sustained in a recent defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

With Callum O'Dowda unavailable, Jimmy Dunne keeps his spot in the squad after stepping in as a late replacement for the October internationals. Additionally, 26-year-old Kevin O'Toole, who plays for New York City and is eligible through his grandfather, receives his first call-up.

Notably absent from the squad is Celtic's Johnny Kenny, despite his impressive performance of three goals in his last two matches, including the opener in the League Cup semi-final against Rangers, as Hallgrimsson also contends with the injury to Sammie Szmodics.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Kevin O'Toole (New York City)

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Andrew Moran (Los Angeles FC)

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (Istanbul Basaksehir).

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