Ireland football is approaching a significant international window, and the squad announcement later this week could bring several new faces into the senior setup. With the UEFA Nations League campaign beginning in Kosovo on September 24, injuries, club form and eligibility issues have opened the door for a number of players.
Heimir Hallgrímsson is expected to rely on many familiar names, but the current circumstances make this an intriguing selection. Here are seven players who could enter the Ireland squad, including one who has previously been called up without making it into the group.
Seven players in contention for an Ireland call-up
Liam Kitching
The Sheffield United defender, on loan from Coventry City, has long been considered a possible Ireland option. The 26-year-old has reportedly completed the process for an Irish passport, making him available for selection.
Kitching played an important part in Coventry’s promotion campaign last season before moving to Sheffield United. Centre-back is competitive territory in the Ireland squad, but his experience and recent form could make him a useful addition as Hallgrímsson assesses his defensive options.
Jacob Devaney
Ireland’s midfield picture has become more uncertain with Josh Cullen and Jack Taylor sidelined through injury, while Will Smallbone remains without a club after leaving Southampton. That could create an opportunity for Hibernian midfielder Jacob Devaney.
The 19-year-old made a strong impression during his loan spell at St Mirren last season and has continued to attract attention since joining Hibs. A senior call-up would represent a major step, but the shortage of midfield options could encourage Hallgrímsson to introduce him early.
Trent Kone-Doherty
The winger has made a particularly strong case since moving to Molde. Kone-Doherty has scored two hat-tricks this season, including one against HamKam, and has found the net nine times across his last six appearances.
Ireland have lacked depth in wide attacking positions, so the 20-year-old’s explosive form could place him firmly in contention. A first senior call-up would reward his decision to move abroad in search of regular first-team football.
Danny McNamara
Right-back remains an area of concern. Seamus Coleman is still without a club, while Matt Doherty has not been a regular starter for Sheffield United, leaving Hallgrímsson with important decisions to make.
Danny McNamara has never received a senior Ireland call-up despite being a dependable performer in the Championship. Since joining Charlton Athletic during the summer, he has maintained that consistency and could now be given the chance to show what he can offer at international level.
Owen Elding
Among the names on the list, Owen Elding appears the most likely to be selected. The Hibernian striker had been waiting for his Irish passport, delaying his involvement with the national setup.
His form at club level may now allow him to move straight into the senior squad rather than beginning with the under-21s. Hallgrímsson has already shown an interest in Elding, including him in training during the summer before he was eligible to play.
Armstrong Oko-Flex
Armstrong Oko-Flex has taken a less straightforward route to this point. Once regarded as a major teenage prospect, the 24-year-old has moved between clubs in Britain and Europe while searching for regular senior football.
His recent spell in Bulgaria has offered encouragement. After impressing with Botev Plovdiv, he joined Levski Sofia and has scored six goals while providing one assist this season. European football could give him another platform, with Levski expected to face RB Salzburg in the Europa League.
Joel Bagan
Joel Bagan has technically been called up by Ireland before, but he withdrew from the squad before joining the group. His inclusion here reflects the fact that he has yet to make a senior appearance.
Left-back has been a recurring problem for Ireland, and Bagan has offered reliability for Cardiff City. He has played every minute of the club’s Championship campaign so far, giving him a strong platform as he seeks to establish himself as a genuine international option.
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Why this Ireland squad announcement matters
Ireland face four matches during the extended international window, beginning away to Kosovo on September 24. The Nations League schedule will test the squad’s depth, particularly in midfield, at full-back and in the wide attacking roles.
For the players listed above, the announcement represents more than recognition. It could be the first step towards becoming established members of the senior team, while younger prospects such as Devaney and Kone-Doherty would gain valuable experience around established internationals.
- Injuries have increased pressure on Ireland’s midfield options.
- Full-back remains an unsettled area of the team.
- Strong club form has pushed several emerging attackers into contention.
- Passport and eligibility developments have expanded Hallgrímsson’s choices.
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What to watch next
The Ireland squad will be confirmed on Thursday, when the speculation ends and Hallgrímsson’s plans become clearer. The biggest questions will be whether the manager opts for immediate experience or uses the Nations League to introduce promising players.
Whatever the final selection, the upcoming fixtures offer an important opportunity to strengthen Ireland’s options ahead of future competitive challenges. The next step is the squad announcement—and it could mark the beginning of several new international careers.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
