REPUBLIC of Ireland’s new boss Heimir Hallgrímsson has wasted no time in recruiting Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer for next month’s Uefa Nations League double header with England and Greece in Dublin.
McAteer, an attacking midfielder, was instrumental in seeing Leicester return to the Premier League scoring seven goals in the Foxes’ successful promotion push last season.
Evan Ferguson and Seamus Coleman have proved their fitness to claim spots in Hallgrímsson’s first squad since assuming the reins last month.
Cardiff City striker Callum Robinson is named among the forwards and Chiedozie Ogbene and Nathan Collins are back after missing last summer’s friendly games against Hungary and Portugal.
There’s no place in the 23-man squad for Belfast native Mark Sykes having been involved in John O’Shea’s squads before Hallgrímsson took charge.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu remains a long-term absentee with an achilles injury whilst Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen is set to miss his first Ireland squad since 2020 as he withdrew from the squad through injury.
Republic of Ireland Squad: England and Greece
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City).
Attackers: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar)