Heimir Hallgrímsson names 23-man squad for Ireland's play-off with Bulgaria

Watford duo James Abankwah and Rocco Vata are in line for their international debuts after Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson named a 23-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League play-offs against Bulgaria.

Ireland travel to Plovdiv for the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off on Thursday, 20 March before returning to Dublin to face Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 23 March. A win over the two legs will see the Boys in Green secure their League B status.

Former St. Patrick's Athletic star Abankwah has been rewarded for his impressive form at Vicarage Road, while 19-year-old Vata is called up for the first time after three goals and three assists for the Hornets this season.

There could also be a senior debut for QPR defender Jimmy Dunne, while Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong also returns to the squad for the first time since his international debut against the Netherlands in October 2023.

Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is included for the first time since September 2024 following his spell on the sidelines and Gavin Bazunu, who is on loan at Standard Liége, comes into the squad for the first time since March 2024 having recovered from his achilles injury.

Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes also comes back into the international fold for the first time since June 2024 after impressing for the Robins this season.

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

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