Szmodics called up for Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers after Connolly injury

Republic of Ireland's national football team has made a change to its squad for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers.

Manager Stephen Kenny has ushered in Blackburn Rovers' forward Sammie Szmodics as a replacement for Aaron Connolly.

Szmodics has scored seven goals in the Championship this season for Blackburn Rovers. 

The need for a switch was prompted by an injury to Connolly, ruling him out of participation in the impending matches.

The Republic of Ireland is gearing up to host Greece at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, October 13.

Subsequently, they'll be making their way to Faro, Portugal to challenge Gibraltar on Monday, October 16.

Today saw the rest of the national squad report for their international duties, and training sessions are scheduled to commence tomorrow at the FAI National Training Centre to gear up for the Friday face-off.

Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece/Gibraltar

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), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Mikey Johnston (Celtic), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers).

The upcoming matches for the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifiers are:

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

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