Heimer Hallgrimsson's Debut Ireland Squad Team Expands

Republic of Ireland’s manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has been handed a promotion after Evan Ferguson and Seamus Coleman were included in the national Ireland squad to face England and Greece in the coming Nations League games.

From this perspective it could be considered as a crucial development for Hallgrimsson who now steps in his new role with an aim at achieving positive results.

Teenage striker Ferguson has also been out of the team due to an ankle injury which seems to be over having resumed training and very likely to be seen in action. Admittedly, Ferguson was not in Brighton’s team in their recent triumph over Manchester United but being called for the Ireland team is a development and sign of hope.

It is expected that the important forward will return when the team is on the field as the 18 year old seems to have potential to make quite a difference on the pitch.

Ireland’s captain Seamus Coleman who has been in the role for the last eight years is also expected to play. The player has a calf problem which has ruled him out for the last few matches and he was able to play in the Carabao Cup game on Wednesday night.

Hallgrimsson had remarked over his decision to select Coleman despite his age and future prospects saying, “Age for me is irrelevant. If you are good enough, you will play. Who knows how long he can play for Ireland, but at the moment he is looking sharp.”

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Besides Coleman and Ferguson, Hallgrimsson has drafted Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer in the squad. McAteer 22 was recently cleared by FIFA and he has also been praised on his capability of becoming an attacking midfielder or forward.

Former Irish national team player John O’Shea stated that McAteer is a “good attacking player” meaning that introduction of McAteer could help Ireland bring variation in its attacking portfolio.

However, the Ireland squad does pose some obvious losses that might have an impact in the game. As for the unavailable players, it is noteworthy that midfielder Josh Cullen who has been a part of a team for four years will be out due to an injury. It will be a setback for Ireland squad to lose him as he has been amongst the former players and has provided more than a keel in the midfield.

However, fifth tier Shrewsbury Town-born, Callum Robinson, who plays for Cardiff City and netted in the South Wales Derby against Swansea City is part of the 23-man squad. Robinson included him in his current form and characteristics needed in packing the attack of Ireland.

Another inclusion to the list is Sunderland’s midfielder Alan Browne who also appears to be playing midfield. On the other hand, Stoke City’s Jayson Molumby regains his position in the Irish team after the injury he sustained in the foot this year earlier. It is timely for him to return since he affords the team more choices in the midfield.

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New signings from Ipswich Town Chiedozie Ogbene and Nathan Collins from Brentford are also back in the team list. However, the two players could not feature in the previous match against Hungary and Portugal due to injury, but are available again to part take. This is believed to enhance Ireland’s team by their return greatly.

At the other hand, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will be out of selection as he continues to recuperate from the Achilles surgery. His absence is a big blow on the team as he has been very instrumental in between the posts as Bazunu has been. Also, central defender John Egan is a free agent after his departure from Sheffield United earlier this summer.

This season, Winston’s role remains somewhat unclear, as does the rest of the defensive lineup Egan made only a few appearances last season due to his Achilles problem.

Ireland squad next matches are going to be highly decisive. They will be at home against England on Saturday, 7th of September at the Aviva stadium, kick-off at 5 pm GMT.

After this, Greece will face Ireland squad at home Tuesday, September 10, starting at 7:45 p. m. These matches will be very important for Hallgrimsson in terms of getting off the ground with the positive results and the good performance from players .