Evan Ferguson and Liam Scales return for Ireland as Caoimhín Kelleher misses out with injury

Evan Ferguson scores for Ireland against Gibraltar

Evan Ferguson scores for Ireland against Gibraltar Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

Evan Ferguson is set to lead the line for Ireland’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers after missing last month’s defeats to France and the Netherlands through injury.

The 18-year-old has been hampered by illness in recent weeks but returned for a 45-minute cameo in Brighton & Hove Albion's 6-1 hammering at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Stephen Kenny’s side’s flagging hopes of reaching the finals in Germany require results at home to Greece on Friday, October 13th and three days later against Gibraltar in Faro, Portugal.

Ferguson is joined in the squad by fellow returnees Mikey Johnstone and Liam Scales of Celtic, with the latter in line to debut after impressing in the Champions League group stages.

Sheffield United defender John Egan - who captained the side against France - misses out with injury, as does Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.

Wrexham's James McClean is also absent after he announced his intention to retire from international football, with his swansong to come in next month’s friendly clash with New Zealand.

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Stoke City, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Mark Sykes (Bristol City).

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Aaron Connolly (Hull City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Mikey Johnston (Celtic).



13/10: Republic of Ireland v Greece, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm 

16/10: Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland, Estádio Algarve, 7.45pm (Irish Time)

About Dave Donnelly

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