Heimir Hallgrímsson will have his work cut out to get a result in his first competitive match as Ireland manager when England come to town next Saturday for their UEFA Nations League B clash.
The world’s 4th ranked team come to the Aviva in Lee Carsley’s first game in charge with a point to prove following their defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain over 6 weeks ago.
Many fans – and the Ireland manager – will have their eyes on the clash with Greece three days later which may be a more realistic fixture for picking up points. However, if Ireland are to have any chance in putting it up to their neighbours, you feel Hallgrímsson will have to have a full squad to choose from.
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There were worrying signs for Irish fans as Evan Ferguson wasn’t named in the matchday squad for Brighton’s clash with Arsenal, despite being in the squad for their midweek league cup game against Crawley Town.
Ferguson has been struggling to shake off the ankle problem that prematurely ended his season last year. Ferguson has not played in a competitive game since Brighton’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool exactly five months ago. He was named in Hallgrímsson’s first Ireland squad on Thursday, but his absence today will raise more questions about his availability heading into the international window.
The uncertainty surrounding Ferguson’s fitness leaves the door open for new Ipswich man Sammie Szmodics to lead the the line under the new Ireland boss.
The Ireland squad in full ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Sg8z67MFyV
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) August 29, 2024
Ireland boss Hallgrimsson has included uncapped Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer in his first squad for the upcoming matches. England-born McAteer, is named in the 23-man squad after receiving international clearance from FIFA .
But there was some well needed good news for the Icelandic manager as captain Seamus Coleman played 90 mins during Everton’s late collapse at home to Bournemouth.
The Ireland squad are due to gather on Monday ahead of their opening Nations league Group B fixtures and the hope is that the Brighton striker will be present and ready for action.