Republic of Ireland Squad Changes for UEFA Nations League

Séamus Coleman and Nathan Collins are both missing from the Republic of Ireland squad for the opening UEFA Nations League window – and it leaves a very different look to the dressing room.

Collins, the captain, had been a major doubt since limping off in the first half of Brentford's 1-1 draw at Sunderland on 5 September. Brentford manager Keith Andrews later confirmed a calf injury, with the centre-back not expected back until after the international break. Coleman, Ireland’s long-serving right back, is absent too, and like his long-time team-mate Robbie Brady, is currently without a club.

So the door swings open for new faces.

New blood in defence

Liam Kitching headlines the fresh arrivals. The Harrogate-born defender, who helped Coventry City to promotion to the Premier League last season, earns his first senior call-up. A left-sided centre-back, he has since dropped back into the Championship on a season-long loan at Sheffield United, and now adds much-needed depth to a back line suddenly stripped of experience.

He is not the only uncapped defender in the frame. Joel Bagan of Cardiff City comes in as cover at left back and could finally make his debut. The former Ireland under-21 international had been named in the May squad for the friendly against Grenada but had to pull out through injury. This time, he arrives fit and in contention.

Up front, Hibernian striker Owen Elding – once of Sligo Rovers – is another uncapped option and pushes for a first cap during what will be a demanding four-game stretch.

Injury cloud over key men

Collins’ calf problem is just one of several setbacks. Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Josh Cullen (knee) are longer-term absentees and miss out completely. Mikey Johnston and Jack Taylor are also sidelined with ankle and knee issues respectively, while Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne picked up a muscular injury earlier this month.

The cumulative effect is a squad that leans heavily on versatility and youth. Veterans Coleman and Brady, both unattached, watch from the outside as a new group tries to stake its claim.

Nations League road ahead

The schedule is unforgiving. Ireland open away to Kosovo at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina next Thursday. Three days later they meet Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, a neutral venue that strips away any home comfort.

Then comes Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October, a fixture that should test the reshaped defence against higher-level opposition. Ireland’s ‘home’ clash with Israel follows on Sunday, 4 October, but this one will be played behind closed doors at Backa Topola in Serbia.

Four games. Little margin for error. Plenty of opportunity for new names to stick.