‘Always tough’ to leave out Coleman – Hallgrimsson

Given that Seamus Coleman hasn’t played any recent games for Everton, Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said it would set the “wrong example” when he was chosen for World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia next month.

Due to injury, the 36-year-old defender was a unused substitute in both of his club’s Premier League games this year. He missed Senegal and Luxembourg’s friendlies in June.

Hallgrimsson has chosen not to have his squad captain called for an international recall despite his possibility for a return to the Toffees against Mansfield Town on Wednesday in the League Cup. He has only played twice since December 26.

We “absolutely want him to be in the squad once he begins playing,” he said. The former Icelandic boss claimed that picking a player who hasn’t played for almost a year would be a bad example.

Seamus is always difficult to exclude, no matter what. With his background, there aren’t many people in this room.

He will likely be in the squad when camp is over, according to the team’s manager. A player with his or her experience and quality should always be a part of the squad.

Chiedozie Ogbene, who hasn’t played for his country since October 2024 because of an Achilles tendon injury, does make a 23-man roster appearance.

Evan Ferguson, who made his Serie A debut in Roma’s 1-0 win over Bologna on Saturday, joins an eight-strong group of forwards that includes club teammates Sammie Szmodics and Kasey McAteer as well as the 28-year-old.

Will Smallbone, a midfielder for Preston North End, and Robbie Brady, a player for Southampton, are both injured.

Bosun Lawal, an uncapped Stoke City defender, was called up for the draw with Luxembourg, who was then called up for the draw.

On September 6, the Republic of Ireland travels to Armenia three days later before facing Hungary in Dublin.

Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), and Ryan Manning (Southampton) are the defenders.

Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), and Killian Phillips (St. Mirren) are the midfielders.