Will Keane, who earned his first senior international call-up for the October international window, has not been selected – neither has Celtic’s Liam Scales.

Caoimhin Kelleher has been selected ahead of his first start for Ireland in front of a sell-out crowd of 25,000 Irish fans, including his family.

All players that made an appearance against Azerbaijan in Ireland’s first competitive win under Stephen Kenny, excluding Cullen, are named in the squad.

Harry Arter, Enda Stevens and James Collins are also among those included in the squad for the match.

This kit. #COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #IRLQAT | @UmbroIreland pic.twitter.com/MSepsynFBR

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 12, 2021

The Republic of Ireland will wear a special edition 100th anniversary kit for their international friendly against Qatar on Tuesday night.

Ireland will wear the shirt to mark the centenary of the creation of the Football Association of Ireland, the governing body of the sport in the country.

The FAI was founded in September 1921 by the Free State League (now League of Ireland) and the Leinster FA, which had withdrawn from the Irish Football Association (IFA) in June of that year.

Umbro revealed the limited edition jersey back in August – it is a blue home jersey that contains a simple design with a retro shamrock crest and discreet blue-on-blue Umbro logo.

The colour of the shirt, described as ‘St Patrick’s Blue’ is a nod to the colour of the very first Republic of Ireland kit, which was the same colour.

The goalkeeper jersey, which will be worn by Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher, is a yellow version of the shirt.

The year ‘1921’ is embroidered onto the back of the shirt underneath the grandad collar to mark the centenary.

The match details have been embroidered underneath the shamrock crest and read ‘v Qatar 12/10/21’.

The full matchday squad can be seen below.

Match-day Squad | Ireland v Qatar

Josh Cullen ruled out of the squad through injury as Jason Knight comes into the squad

Will Keane & Liam Scales miss out #COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #IRLQAT pic.twitter.com/Q8ZCQbCrvU

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 12, 2021

The post Ireland midfielder Josh Cullen ruled out of Qatar match with injury appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It’s been 5 months since Ireland’s last competitive fixture, a disappointing loss on penalties to Slovakia which resulted in elimination from the 2021 European Championships.

Tomorrow, Ireland begin their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign as they travel to Belgrade in order to face Serbia.

Ireland go into the game with a seriously weakened squad as several players have been forced out of action due to injury. Conor Hourihane, Darren Randolph and John Egan to name a few.

Nevertheless, a positive result will be expected in order to kickstart a potentially fruitful qualifying campaign.

Below is the team we feel is best equipped to achieve that result.

GOALKEEPER

Mark Travers (Bourenemouth)

An inexperienced goalkeeper must be relied on for the upcoming round of games given Darren Randolph’s injury and Kieren Westwood’s unavailability. Caoimhin Kelleher was also ruled out, meaning he won’t get his international debut for another few months, at least.

Mark Travers already has 2 international caps to his name and will, in all likelihood, start against Serbia. However, Gavin Bazunu’s form and game time this season is hard to ignore.

Bazunu has started far more league games this season than Travers. He also recently picked up Rochdale Supporters’ Player of the Month for February.

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has essentially confirmed Mark Travers’ involvement in Wednesday’s game, though. He mentioned during a Q&A last week that Travers would be next in line if Kelleher wasn’t fit to start.

Travers returned to Bournemouth from a brief but impressive loan spell at Swindon Town last month. Since returning, he’s had to settle for the bench as an emergency backup.

The other goalkeeping option in the squad is Burton Albion ‘keeper Kieran O’Hara. However, he’s likely third choice given he hasn’t started a league game since January.

Welcome to the @premierleague, @MarkTravers40 pic.twitter.com/rYpF5pXiui

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) MAY 7, 2019

RIGHT BACK

Séamus Coleman (Everton)

Everton and Ireland captain Séamus Coleman would be most people’s choice for starting right back and it appears Stephen Kenny is a big fan of the Donegal man, as well.

“I can’t give away the team but I will say that Séamus is very important for us,” said the Ireland manager in a press conference earlier today.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this season, putting in several good performances and captaining his side to one of their best seasons in years (as it stands).

The other realistic option for right back is Matt Doherty, however his poor form and sporadic game time this season won’t help his cause. He may, however, start at left back or centre back as he has done in previous Ireland games under Stephen Kenny.

LEFT BACK

Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Enda Stevens has been the undisputed Irish national team left back for a couple of years now, but his performances this season have been of an unusually low standard.

That said, though, he should still maintain his position in the Ireland setup.

Swansea City’s midfielder turned defender Ryan Manning is the other option for this position.

Initially, Manning struggled for game time this season. However, he’s started several games in the last number of weeks which may improve his chance of receiving a start tomorrow.

CENTRE BACKS

Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United) & Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion)

Perhaps the most obvious option to start at centre back is Ciaran Clark. The Newcastle United man has enjoyed a good spell in his club’s side recently and is one of Ireland’s more experienced campaigners having accumulated 34 caps since 2011.

The next centre back position is a toss up between Dara O’Shea and Shane Duffy.

The latter has been one of Ireland most reliable servants over the years, however his decline over the last year is very hard to ignore. Duffy joined Celtic on loan at the beginning of the 2020/21 season and to say he’s been a disappointment would be an understatement.

Celtic had high hopes for the Derry man but his performances has been well below his usual standards. His recent performances for Ireland have also been shakier than usual.

O’Shea, on the other hand, has had a solid debut Premier League campaign for West Brom despite their poor league form. He’s also started a majority of their games this season despite their switch of managers half way through the season, showing how much he’s rated at the club.

For that reason, we think O’Shea should start ahead of Duffy tomorrow.

HOLDING MIDFIELD

Josh Cullen (RSC Anderlecht)

James McCarthy’s absence from the squad means Josh Cullen should be a guaranteed starter against Serbia.

The former West Ham midfielder has established himself as a key player for Anderlecht whom he joined at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Current West Ham footballer Conor Coventry, who will know Cullen very well from his time at the club, can also play the position but is very unlikely to start given he was only called up a couple of days ago and has never made a senior appearance for his country before.

Jayson Molumby is another option, however his lack of game time this season may rule him out of contention.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

Jason Knight (Derby County)

There’s no doubt about it, Jason Knight must start tomorrow. His energy, work rate and all-roundedness could be just what Ireland need to counter Serbia’s effectiveness.

While Derby have not exactly set the world alight this season, Knight has been a revelation in their midfield.

The 20-year-old has played the most minutes out of any Derby County player showing just how valued he is by the club’s staff.

He was linked with a number of Premier League clubs in January, however Wayne Rooney was not willing to forfeit his talents: “I know which players I want to keep here, and who I would like to bring in to this football club. I’m trying to build a team that I feel can challenge in this league. I’ve seen the reports on the younger players leaving. The ones who I want to keep, will stay.”

In terms of the talent coming out of Ireland at the moment, Knight might just be the cream of the crop.

Jason Knight has been named in @FAIreland‘s senior squad for their upcoming @FIFAWorldCup qualifiers

Good luck, Knighty!

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) MARCH 18, 2021

ADVANCED MIDFIELD

Alan Browne (Preston North End)

Jeff Hendrick has been a shoo-in for every Irish XI over the past few years, despite his increasingly underwhelming performances.

Alan Browne, on the other hand, has only accumulated 11 Ireland caps despite becoming one of the Championship’s most established players over a number of years.

His performances for Ireland have also been energy-filled and eventful, despite not always having his run of luck.

That said, we believe Browne should start ahead of Hendrick for the upcoming games. His late runs into the box is something that Hendrick simply doesn’t offer, and that may prove crucial in the final third.

RIGHT WING

Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion)

Another West Bromwich Albion footballer who also happens to be an Ireland international, Callum Robinson has also appeared in the majority of his club’s games this season, albeit mainly from the bench in recent weeks.

Still though, Robinson is one of Ireland’s best attacking players on his day, as he demonstrated by scoring a brace against Chelsea earlier in the season.

With just one goal for Ireland in his fifteen caps so far, tomorrow wouldn’t be a bad day to add to his tally.

Daryl Horgan is another option that Stephen Kenny may consider, having used the Wycombe Wanderers winger in previous fixtures.

LEFT WING

Robbie Brady (Burnley)

Aaron Connolly and James McClean are both doubts for tomorrow’s fixture so Robbie Brady is in with a good chance of starting on the left wing, as he has many times in the past for Ireland.

His set piece ability could be crucial if Ireland are to secure a positive result, particularly given the absence of Conor Hourihane.

Brady has played a healthy amount of games for Burnley this season, also, meaning his match fitness should be up to par.

Ronan Curtis is another option.

However, Brady’s experience, set piece ability and the level he’s playing at should get him over the line.

STRIKER

James Collins (Luton Town)

Other than Adam Idah, Irish strikers remained generally unscathed leading up to the international break.

Unfortunately, though, very few of those are in form for their clubs.

James Collins is perhaps the most in-form, in terms of goals at least. The Luton striker has scored 7 Championship goals so far this season, he has however had more prolific campaigns in the past.

Troy Parrott is another one who’s played several games this season but his attacking output has been lacking with just a solitary league goal this season. Stephen Kenny has said himself that Parrott is unlikely to start.

Shane Long is another option for Kenny to think about. He has had very little game time this season, though.

Realistically, it’s between Long and Collins for the starting striker spot. However, we think Collins might just edge it.

COME ONNNNNNNNNN!!! pic.twitter.com/j1b4iiwCpf

— LutonTown (@LutonTown) MARCH 20, 2021

The post Who should be in the Republic of Ireland starting team against Serbia? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Given the day that’s in it, we’ve decided to compile a list of the best Irish performers across the footballing world this season.

Season is, of course, a broad term so we’re limiting inclusions on the list to those of which who began their campaigns in Autumn last year. That means the likes of Jack Byrne and Aaron McEneff will miss out despite their impressive form.

Although the season is far from over yet, there’s been a significant enough portion played to determine players deserving of inclusion.

With that said, here’s an XI of the best Irish footballers this season.

GOALKEEPER

Gavin Bazunu – Rochdale (on loan from Manchester City)

The first inclusion on the list made for a fairly easy decision, all things considered. Caoimhin Kelleher is another who has had a fine season, however limited game time made it hard to pick the Corkman.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Gavin Bazunu has been well known to Irish football fans for a couple of years now. His penalty save against Cork City’s Kieran Sadlier as a 16-year-old firmly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the country.

Almost 3 years on from that moment and he’s flourishing in his first full season of professional football.

Bazunu has started almost every game for Rochdale, making some magnificent saves in the process.

Just recently, he was awarded Rochdale Supporters’ Player of the Month for February as a token of appreciation for his fine form over the past month or so.

Given he’s one of the only Irish goalkeepers starting regularly at the moment, could Bazunu have an outside chance of starting against Serbia?

Honourable mentions: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Jack Bonham (Gillingham).

It’s that time of the weekend…

The latest from the Gavin Bazunu catalogue of 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 #RAFC pic.twitter.com/2zFarn2Low

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) MARCH 14, 2021

RIGHT BACK

Séamus Coleman – Everton

Although he’s been in and out of the Everton team at times this season, Coleman has shown he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Carlo Ancelotti is clearly an admirer, speaking about the Donegal man, he said: “I don’t want to forget anyone but he is up there as a captain with Maldini, John Terry and Sergio Ramos.”

High praise from one of the most decorated managers in Europe.

Barring yet another unfortunate injury, Coleman should be a shoo-in for the right back spot against Serbia.

Honourable mentions: Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest), Danny McNamara (Millwall).

LEFT BACK

Enda Stevens – Sheffield United

Realistically, there wasn’t many options to choose from in the left back position.

Ryan Manning’s severe lack of game time – particularly earlier in the season – excluded him from the XI and there really isn’t an in form Irish left backs regularly starting at any level.

So, by default, Enda Stevens takes the left back spot.

Stevens had an excellent 2019-20 season but has failed to replicate that form this term. Although he’s not solely to blame, he is a regular starter in the 2^nd worst defence in the Premier League.

His attacking output has also been lacking this season, to say the least.

Clearly a player of good quality based on previous seasons, hopefully he can come into form again sooner rather than later.

Honourable mentions: Joe Rafferty (Preston North End), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham, on loan from Southampton).

CENTRE BACKS

Richard Keogh – Huddersfield Town

Just a couple of years ago, it looked like Richard Keogh’s career might be over. A drink driving incident involving himself and two other Derby County team mates left the former captain injured and shameful. Eventually, this led to the termination of his contract.

However, in a surprise move last summer, Keogh decided to return to football after almost a year out of the game. He signed for League One side MK Dons on a free and since then he’s very much revitalised his career.

His impressive performances for The Dons caught the attention of Championship side Huddersfield Town who signed Keogh in January.

His commanding performances have continued at Championship level and he looks to be a shrewd signing for Huddersfield, despite his age.

Could we see a shock return to the Ireland fold, also?

Dara O’Shea – West Bromwich Albion

Although it’s not been a particularly good season for West Brom, it’s been an exceptional one for 22-year-old Dara O’Shea.

Just two years ago, he was plying his trade at League Two level while on loan at Exeter City.

Since then, he’s managed to gain promotion to the Premier League with West Brom, earn 4 senior international caps and become a Premier League regular this season.

O’Shea has impressed at times this season despite his side having the worst defensive record in the Premier League. His ability to play out from the back as well as his defensive awareness have helped contribute to a solid debut Premier League campaign.

Honourable mentions: Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Nathan Collins (Stoke City).

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh

Happy St Patrick’s Day Everyone

pic.twitter.com/17ekYt0U4y

— Dara O’Shea (@dara_oshea_) MARCH 17, 2021

 

CENTRE MIDFIELDERS

Josh Cullen – RSC Anderlecht

After years of trying to break into the West Ham first team which seen him go on several loan spells and play sporadically in cup competitions for his parent club, Cullen finally made the move away from London last October. Cullen, in an unusual transfer for an Irish player, decided to move abroad to Belgium in order to ply his trade for the country’s most successful club, RSC Anderlecht.

So far, the move has been a major success story for the 24-year-old, gaining valuable first-team minutes and becoming a key player for the club.

You would think given his regular game time and solid performances that Stephen Kenny would find it hard to overlook Cullen as a starter for the upcoming World Cup qualification games.

Jason Knight – Derby County

It hasn’t been the best season for Wayne Rooney’s Derby County. Although their form has slightly improved since the Manchester United legend took over, they still hang dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Throughout their rough patch, Jason Knight has proved to be one of their best performers. The Irish midfielder’s desire, work rate and all-roundedness has endeared himself to the supporters and he’s become a real fan favourite.

He has played the most minutes of any Derby player despite just recently turning 20.

Tipped by many to have a big future, Knight could become one of Ireland’s most important players sooner rather than later.

Conor Hourihane – Swansea City (on loan from Aston Villa)

After a difficult start to the season which seen limited game time at Aston Villa, Hourihane decided to drop down a level and sign on loan for Swansea City in January.

So far, the move could hardly have gone any better.

The Corkman has played 12 Championship games since his move, contributing an impressive 5 goals and 1 assist in those games.

Swansea currently sit 3^rd in the Championship table and are just three points behind Watford who occupy an automatic promotion spot.

Could Hourihane inspire Swansea City to their first Premier League season since 2018?

Honourable mentions: Jamie McGrath (St Mirren), Wes Hoolahan (Cambridge United).

@ConorHourihane’s fifth Swans goal pic.twitter.com/q0WTgOCjG5

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) MARCH 13, 2021

 

RIGHT WINGER

Anthony Scully – Lincoln City

The former West Ham striker turned winger has been one of Lincoln’s most important players in a promotion chasing season which currently sees them occupy 3^rd position.

Scully has played 28 League One games this season, scoring a rather impressive 6 goals from out wide.

His father, Tony Scully, was also a professional footballer and managed to get capped up to u21 level for the Republic of Ireland, a feat which Anthony has also managed to achieve.

Promotion this season with Lincoln would surely put him in contention for a senior cap in the near future.

Honourable mentions: Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Robbie Brady (Burnley).

LEFT WINGER

Aiden McGeady – Sunderland

Perhaps Ireland’s most in-form player at the moment, Aiden McGeady has enjoyed an incredible season with Sunderland.

McGeady’s creativity has been one of the main reasons that Sunderland find themselves within the automatic promotion spots in League One.

He’s contributed an incredible 11 assists and 2 goals in just 18 league games for the Tyneside club. One particular game against Doncaster Rovers seen him assist all of his side’s goals in a 4-1 win.

He also provided the only assist of the game as Sunderland won the Football League Trophy against Tranmere Rovers on Sunday.

Honourable mentions: Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City).

STRIKER

Joshua Kayode – Carlisle United (on loan from Rotherham United)

In a season where Irish strikers have largely failed to impress, Joshua – or JJ – Kayode has been an exception.

The former St. Francis FC man has managed 8 goal contributions in 27 League Two games this season for Carlisle, adding to the 3 goals he got for the club in 5 appearances last season.

His 6 goals this season means he’s one of the highest scoring u21 players in England’s top 4 tiers, just behind João Pedro and Keane Lewis-Potter.

He also made his full debut for Ireland u21s in November against Luxembourg where he managed to score an accurate header into the corner to add to an all-around impressive performance.

Kayode’s form this season could persuade Rotherham to give the 20-year-old a chance in their first-team next season, particularly with the club clinging to the bottom of the Championship table.

Honourable mentions: James Collins (Luton Town), Eoin Doyle (Bolton Wanderers).

Not bad https://t.co/fjefqSTwEQ

— Joshua Kayode (@joshuakayode_9) MARCH 15, 2021

The post Our Irish team of the season (so far) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.