O'Shea calls fresh blood into Ireland squad for friendlies

Ireland interim head coach John O’Shea has given first call-ups to Jake O’Brien and Finn Azaz for friendlies with Belgium and Switzerland.

Sammie Szmodics has been named in the squad to face Belgium and Switzerland. The Blackburn Rovers forward, is the EFL Championship top-scorer with 21 goals. Szmodics has a further six goals in cup competitions this season hops to claim his first senior cap in the double-header.

Lyon defender Jake O'Brien has received his first call-up to the Ireland senior squad following his impressive form in Ligue 1 this season. Whereas, Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz also comes into the squad for the first time.

Whereas, there are returns to the squad for Michael Obafemi, Robbie Brady, Callum O'Dowda and captain Seamus Coleman.

Coleman returns to the squad for the first time since the 1-0 defeat to France in March 2023. After, the Donegal man suffered a knee injury which ruled him out of the rest of the 2023 campaign.

Ireland welcome Belgium to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, March 23, with kick-off at 5pm. Indeed, Switzerland travel to Dublin for their international friendly on Tuesday, March 26, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

Elsewhere, Kevin de Bruyne isn't part of the Belgium squad to face the Republic of Ireland in their friendly later this month. Whereas, De Bruyne has been left out as he has a groin problem.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest); Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Liam Scales (Celtic), Jake O'Brien (Lyon), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Festy Ebosele (Udinese).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton). Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City); Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).