Heimir Hallgrimsson announces Ireland squad for Nations League play-off against Bulgaria

The 42

HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON HAS given first senior call ups to Watford duo James Abankwah and Rocco Vata for the next week’s Nations League promotion/relegation play-off with Bulgaria.

The Republic of Ireland manager confirmed his 23-man squad for the two-legged tie, with the first game away in Plovdiv next Thursday before the return at Aviva Stadium three days later.

Abankwah won the 2021 FAI Cup with St Patrick’s Athletic before joining Udinese and the 21-year-old is currently on loan in the Championship from the Serie A club.

Vata, listed as a forward by the FAI, is a 19-year-old who can operate across the front line.

Also included for the first time under this Ireland boss are Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong and Queens Park Rangers centre back Jimmy Dunne, both of whom were called up previously.

While Shamrock Rovers defender Josh Honohan and Celtic forward Johnny Kenny, who scored 20 times for the Hoops on loan last season, were in contention they did not make the final cut.

However, returning to the senior ranks after their respective injuries are goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, defender Robbie Brady, and midfield duo Will Smallbone and Mark Sykes. Everton’s Jake O’Brien has earned his place back due to his fine form in the Premier League.

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Injury has ruled out Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene and Festy Ebosele, with Liam Scales and Jayson Molumby also absent. The latter pair were due to be suspended for the first leg due to accumulation of yellow cards.

Republic of Ireland squad

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).

Written by David Sneyd and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.