Some positive changes for the Boys in Green
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League B/C relegation/promotion play-off against Bulgaria.
The games will take place on March 20 and 23, a Thursday and Sunday, with Ireland at home for the second leg.
You can check out the squad below.
Watford duo Rocco Vata and James Abankwah have earned their first call-ups to the senior squad. Former St Pat’s defender Abankwah, 21, is currently on load from Udinese, while winger Vata, 19, has pitched in with three league goals and assists for his club this season.
QPR defender Jimmy Dunne is the third uncapped player in the squad, while club teammate Sinclair Armstrong has won his first call-up since October 2023.
Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone returns from injury, as does his Saints teammate – currently on load at Standard Liege – Gavin Bazunu.
Republic of Ireland Squad – UEFA Nations League
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liége, on loan from Southampton).
Defenders: Jake O’Brien (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough)
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (West Ham United, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).
Fixtures – UEFA Nations League
20/03 – Bulgaria v Ireland, Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv, 7.45pm (Irish Time)
23/03 – Ireland v Bulgaria, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 7.45pm
