Republic of Ireland Announces Hallgrimsson’s Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland’s head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has announced his squad for the vital World Cup qualifiers. The team will face significant challenges in their upcoming matches.

Key Players and Squad Details

Evan Ferguson, currently on loan at Roma from Brighton, has been included in the 25-man squad despite an ankle injury. Ferguson previously scored in a 1-0 victory against Armenia and suffered his injury during a match against Parma on October 29.

• Match Dates:
  • November 13: vs. Portugal (Home, 19:45 GMT)
  • November 16: vs. Hungary (Away, 14:00 GMT)
• Group Position: The Republic of Ireland is currently in third place in Group F, one point behind Hungary.

Absences and Returns

Two players, Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning, will miss the match against Portugal due to suspension. However, they are still part of the squad for the upcoming games.

Mark Sykes returns to the squad despite an injury sustained in a recent match with Bristol City. He will miss the next two club games due to a leg gash received in a 1-0 defeat by Blackburn Rovers.

New Call-Ups and Notable Omissions

Jimmy Dunne remains in the squad after being a late substitute in the previous international fixtures. Newly called-up Kevin O’Toole, a 26-year-old player from New York City, is eligible due to his grandfather’s heritage.

In contrast, Celtic’s Johnny Kenny, who netted three goals in his last two matches, including one in the League Cup semi-final, did not receive a call-up. This decision comes despite the absence of injured player Sammie Szmodics.

Looking Ahead

The Republic of Ireland faces a critical juncture as they prepare for these essential World Cup qualifiers. A loss against Portugal could jeopardize their chances for qualification.

As the qualifiers approach, every decision will be critical for Hallgrimsson’s squad and their ambitions for the 2026 World Cup.