Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has named a 23-man squad for the UEFA Nations League play-offs against Bulgaria.
There are first-time call-ups for Watford duo James Abankwah and Rocco Vata. Defender Abankwah, who won the FAI Cup with St. Patrick's Athletic in 2021, gets the nod after his impressive form since his move to Vicarage Road.
Whereas, 19-year old Vata has three goals and three assists for the Hornets this season.
QPR defender Jimmy Dunne will be looking to make his senior international debut next week following his call-up.
Whereas, Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong also returns to the squad for the first time since his international debut against the Netherlands in October 2023.
Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is included for the first time since September 2024 following his spell on the sidelines.
Indeed, Gavin Bazunu, who is on loan at Standard Liége, comes into the squad for the first time since March 2024 having recovered from his achilles injury.
Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes also comes back into the international fold for the first time since June 2024.
Ireland are set to travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria for the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off on Thursday March 20; with kick-off at 7.45pm (Irish Time).
The team return to Dublin to face Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, March 23, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
A win over the two legs will see Hallgrímsson's side secure their League B status.
Republic of Ireland Squad - UEFA Nations League
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liége, on loan from Southampton).
Defenders: Jake O'Brien (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough)
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (West Ham United, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).
Fixtures - UEFA Nations League
20/03 - Bulgaria v Ireland, Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv, 7.45pm (Irish Time)
23/03 - Ireland v Bulgaria, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 7.45pm
