Stephen Kenny’s names Ireland squad for upcoming friendlies

Stephen Kenny

Stephen Kenny Credit: None

The Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny named his 26-man squad on Thursday for the upcoming international friendlies against Norway and Malta. 

The inclusions of note are Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson and midfielder Will Smallbone who both step up from the Ireland under-21 squad.  

Dundee United midfielder Jamie McGrath is back in the squad as is Aberdeen defender Liam Scales and Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane also come into the squad.

First up for Ireland is a game against Norway in the Aviva Stadium next Thursday (kick off 7.45pm) before they travel to Ta'Quli to face Malta at the National Stadium at 7pm (8pm local time).

At today’s squad announcement Kenny confirmed that Shamrock Rovers trio (Dan Cleary, Rory Gaffney and Neil Farrugia) are on standby as is Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher. 

Republic of Ireland Squad - Norway & Malta

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Aberdeen, on loan from Celtic), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Stoke City, on loan from Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Dundee United).
Forwards: Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).

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