Seamus Coleman has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Kosovo, Israel and Austria. The former Ireland captain, who is 37, was part of the squad for June’s international friendlies but has not been included in the 26-strong group for the four-match window.
Coleman has been without a club since ending a 17-year association with Everton at the end of the 2025-26 season, during which he made 433 appearances for the Toffees. The 81-cap defender’s omission was explained by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson at Thursday’s squad announcement. ‘It is my intention in whatever shape or form that he [Coleman] would be with us in the future, hopefully as a player,’ Hallgrimsson said. ‘His intention is to play, he’s keeping fit but he hasn’t been training with a club so we felt together, and it was more his decision, that it would be appropriate he sit out this one, mostly because he thought it was unfair to other players that he would be taking up a place.’
Ireland’s schedule begins with a trip to Kosovo on 24 September. They then face Israel on 27 September and Austria on 1 October, before a second meeting with Israel in Group B3 on 4 October.
Robbie Brady is also absent because he is without a club, while captain Nathan Collins is missing through injury. Collins is recovering from a calf injury sustained in Brentford’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland on 5 September. Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (knee), Jack Taylor (knee), Mikey Johnston (ankle) and Oisin McEntee were not considered because of injuries. QPR defender Jimmy Dunne also sustained a muscular injury earlier this month.
There are new faces in the group. Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching has received his first call-up, while uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Owen Elding of Hibernian are in contention for their first caps during the four-match international window. Kitching is a left-sided centre-back on a season-long loan from Coventry City.
Republic of Ireland squad: Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Max O’Leary, Gavin Bazunu; Defenders: Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales, John Egan, James Abankwah, Jimmy Dunne, Liam Kitching, Ryan Manning, Joel Bagan; Midfielders: Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz, Bosun Lawal, Jamie McGrath, Harvey Vale, Conor Coventry; Forwards: Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Chiedozie Ogbene, Tom Cannon, Owen Elding, Jack Moylan, Rocco Vata.