Seamus Coleman is one of seven players recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Everton defender makes his first return since September 2024 as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side gear up for a trip to Lisbon to face Portugal on Saturday, 11 October, followed by a home clash against Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday, 14 October.
Coleman comes back into the fold as fellow right-back Matt Doherty is sidelined with injury.
Defenders John Egan and Callum O’Dowda also earn call-ups, rewarded for their strong form with Hull City and Ferencvaros respectively.
“We’ve been criticised not picking him and probably will be criticised for picking him,” Hallgrimsson said of Coleman’s recall.
“Like before, he hasn’t played much, but has played two League Cup games and we have said before his numbers are good. We know he is fit and ready to play, and would do anything for his country so happy to have him. He’s in for football reasons, but will bring experience and leadership into this group.
“Missing Robbie Brady and Matt Doherty takes a lot of experience away from this squad, so it’s good to have him in.
“John Egan coming back in brings quality, experience and leadership, so two senior players to help us in that area.”
With Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal unavailable due to injury, Jayson Molumby and Will Smallbone have been called up to strengthen the midfield, while Troy Parrott returns after withdrawing from the September internationals through injury.
The AZ Alkmaar forward is aiming to play against Telstar in the Eredivisie this weekend, after which he will be evaluated by the FAI medical team upon joining the squad.
“If everything goes well, he will be in the squad and hopefully get some minutes on Sunday, so we will take him into the squad, not planning to have him in the squad for Portugal, but hopefully for Armenia,” Hallgrimsson said.
Another notable inclusion is Festy Ebosele, whose performances in the Turkish Süper Lig for İstanbul Başakşehir have earned him a spot in the 24-man squad.
The Republic of Ireland face a challenging path to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, following a 2-2 home draw against Hungary in their opening qualifier and a surprise defeat in Armenia.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Callum O’Dowda (Ferencvaros)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Millwall), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton)
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town)
