Seamus Coleman Left Out of Ireland Squad for Nations League Matches
Seamus Coleman has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Kosovo, Israel and Austria, a significant omission for a player who has been at the heart of the national side for more than a decade.
The 37-year-old, who ended a 17-year spell with Everton at the close of the 2025-26 season, is currently without a club after making 433 appearances for the Toffees. He was involved in Ireland’s June friendlies, but this time his name is missing from a 26-man group selected for a demanding four-game window.
Ireland open away to Kosovo on 24 September, then face Israel on 27 September and Austria on 1 October, before a second meeting with Israel in Group B3 on 4 October.
Hallgrimsson explains Coleman call
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson underlined that Coleman’s international story is not over, even if he will not be on the pitch this month.
"It is my intention in whatever shape or form that he [Coleman] would be with us in the future, hopefully as a player," Hallgrimsson said as he unveiled his squad on Thursday.
Coleman has been training to stay in shape, but the lack of club football proved decisive.
"His intention is to play, he's keeping fit but he hasn't been training with a club so we felt together, and it was more his decision, that it would be appropriate he sit out this one, mostly because he thought it was unfair to other players that he would be taking up a place."
So the former captain steps aside, at least for now, out of a sense of fairness to those playing regular football.
Injuries and absences reshape the squad
Coleman is not the only experienced figure missing. Robbie Brady is also left out as he, too, is currently without a club.
Captain Nathan Collins will not feature either. The Brentford defender is recovering from a calf injury picked up in their 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland on 5 September, stripping Hallgrimsson of his on-field leader at a tricky moment in the campaign.
The injury list runs deeper. Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (knee), Jack Taylor (knee) and Mikey Johnston (ankle) were all ruled out, while Oisin McEntee was also not considered because of injury. QPR defender Jimmy Dunne joined them on the sidelines after sustaining a muscular problem earlier this month.
New faces get their chance
The absences open the door for fresh blood. Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching receives his first senior call-up, a notable step for the left-sided centre-back currently on a season-long loan from Coventry City.
Uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan is included and could make his debut, while Owen Elding of Sligo Rovers is also in contention for a first cap during this four-match block.
Experience sits out. Youth steps in. With Nations League points on the line and a spine of regulars missing, Ireland’s next few weeks will reveal whether this changing of the guard is a brief necessity or the start of something more permanent.
