Chiedozie Ogbene ruled out of Ireland squad through injury as former Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales earns recall
Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
Ireland have been dealt a blow ahead of their two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar with Chiedozie Ogbene ruled out through injury.
Ogbene has been struggling with a hamstring issue in recent weeks and despite hopes that he would return in time – he will not.
However, boss Stephen Kenny has been able to recall trio Liam Scales, Jack Taylor and Darragh Lenihan to the fold after a spell away.
Scales, formerly of Shamrock Rovers and UCD, impressed towards the end of last season on loan at Aberdeen and helped them to European qualification.
Taylor is also called up having enjoyed an impressive end to the campaign with Peterborough United – while former Dundalk man Jamie McGrath has also been called up.
Will Smallbone also remains in the squad having impressed in the March international friendly against Latvia at the Aviva Stadium.
Unsurprisingly, Premier League stars Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher, Mark Travers, Nathan Collins and Evan Ferguson have made the cut.
However, Shane Duffy and Seamus Coleman miss out - with the latter through injury. Ryan Manning has also been left out.
Squad in full:
Kenny names 25-man squad for @EURO2024 qualifiers as Lenihan, Taylor & Scales included but Ogbene ruled out
Ferguson & Obafemi part of exciting attacking options for June double header
16/0619/06
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 1, 2023
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Celtic).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic).
