In his initial and concluding announcement of the Republic of Ireland squad on Thursday, John O’Shea offered a glimpse of the future of Irish football while acknowledging its history. While much of the focus was on Sammie Szmodics, O’Shea also highlighted the returning Séamus Coleman and Robbie Brady who have had lesser roles at Everton and Preston North End due to ageing factors.
Despite having previously played together at Euro 2016, O’Shea still views Brady as an expert at set-pieces rather than an injury-hit winger. O’Shea stated that the important factor was Brady’s football ability, noting his various playing positions and expressing his hope for Brady to see game time over the weekend.
However, it wasn’t only familiar faces in the squad; new additions included Finn Azaz, a midfielder eligible for Israel, and Lyon’s Jake O’Brien who received their inaugural call-ups from O’Shea. This will be O’Shea’s final squad before his replacement, following two friendlies against Belgium – without the injured Kevin De Bruyne – and Switzerland in the Aviva Stadium this month.
Following an Ireland under-21 match against San Marino next Friday, midfielders Joe Hodge and Andy Moran will advance to the senior squad for the game against Switzerland on March 23rd to cover for Josh Cullen, due to a lack of defensive midfielders. Despite criticism that neither have started in the EFL Championship at Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers, O’Shea defended Hodge’s and Moran’s potential.
In Szmodics, O’Shea has recruited an attacking midfielder with an impressive scoring record. With 28-year-old Szmodics being firmly turned down by Hungary’s manager Marco Rossi, from representing his grandfather’s native country at Euro 2024, he is poised to earn his first cap in his third selection for Ireland.
O’Shea showed confidence on Thursday, even suggesting that his predecessor, Stephen Kenny will quickly return to management roles.
Stephen’s return to management is imminent, and his appeal to football clubs across Ireland, England, and Scotland is quite apparent. The looming question for Kenny is how to integrate Szmodics into an Irish team that already includes dynamic players like Evan Ferguson, Chiedozie Ogebene, and Mikey Johnson.
Regardless of the player Szmodics partners with, his developed game intelligence is expected to shine through. His adaptability allows him to play various roles, such as a false nine, or drifting in from either side, matching any striking partner or any combination in the front four or three.
Leicester City’s Tom Cannon and Wolves’ teenage debutant Nathan Fraser, both born in England, still haven’t committed to representing Ireland. Cannon had previously withdrawn from a squad, possibly after an approach from England’s under-21s managed by Lee Carsley. Fraser declined Crawford’s invitation because he’s currently the only fit striker at Wolves.
According to Crawford, Fraser is worried about potential injuries but is optimistic about gaining Premier League experience and expressed genuine interest in considering future Irish squads.
Meanwhile, despite his goal drought at Brighton, 19-year-old Evan Ferguson remains Ireland’s primary forward. O’Shea remains unfazed by Ferguson’s current performance, reasoning that goalless periods are common in a player’s career. He believes Ferguson has the capacity to bounce back with a goal-scoring streak.
Recently, O’Shea convened the entire management team – which includes Brian Kerr, Paddy McCarthy and Glenn Whelan – at the Castleknock Hotel for a strategic meeting, followed by an observational session of Belgium’s team.
Brian has proven to be a wonderful support and challenged me to consider new perspectives. His passion is palpable and I’m excited for the younger team members to experience his involvement in the international set-up, his presence in the hotel, his insights on training and players’ roles.
We have a strong line-up for Ireland’s squad with the likes of goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu from Southampton, Caoimhín Kelleher from Liverpool, and Mark Travers from Bournemouth. The defence team includes notable names such as Séamus Coleman of Everton, Matt Doherty of Wolves, and Nathan Collins of Brentford, among others.
For midfield, we have Josh Cullen of Burnley, Jason Knight from Bristol City, and Will Smallbone from Southampton. And not to forget the forward team led by Evan Ferguson of Brighton, Adam Idah from Celtic and Michael Obafemi from Burnley.
Coming fixtures include matches against Belgium and Switzerland at Aviva Stadium on March 23rd, and March 26th.
I should also mention our enthusiastic U21 squad, which boasts impressive goalkeepers like Tiernan Brooks from Rochdale, Josh Keeley from Barnet, and Andrew Wogan of Drogheda United.
Backliners for the squad include Tayo Adaramola from RWD Molenbeek (originally from Crystal Palace), Sam Curtis of Sheffield United, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty from PEC Zwolle, Seán Grehan from Carlisle United (originally from Crystal Palace), Bosun Lawal of Fleetwood Town (originally from Celtic), Alex Murphy of Newcastle United, Connor O’Riordan from Blackburn Rovers, and Seán Roughan from Lincoln City.
The midfield line-up comprises Baba Adeeko of Wigan Athletic, Zak Gilsenan and Andrew Moran both from Blackburn Rovers, Matt Healy from Royal Francs Borains, Joe Hodge of QPR (originally from Wolves), Killian Phillips from Aberdeen (originally from Crystal Palace), and Rocco Vata of Celtic.
Forwards team is represented by Sinclair Armstrong from QPR, Calum Kavanagh at Bradford City (on loan from Middlesbrough), Mark O’Mahony of Brighton, Ollie O’Neill from Leyton Orient, Armstrong Oko-Flex of FC Zürich, and Tony Springett from Northampton Town (originally from Norwich City).
The match will be held on March 22nd, at the San Marino Stadium, where Ireland U21 will confront San Marino U21 with kick-off at 5pm.