Ireland Manager Hallgrímsson Names New Squad Ahead of Austria and Kosovo Matches

Heimir Hallgrímsson announced a 24-man squad for the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, signaling an end to the recent international break. The team will play away against Austria and host Kosovo later this month to conclude their Nations League campaign. The manager stated he wants the upcoming camp to stand alone, separate from the previous window.

Hallgrímsson returned to Iceland after the matches against Israel to rest. He said he reached closure on those events after completing his feedback for the Football Association of Ireland’s review. The coach believes the squad learned valuable lessons about leadership during that period. If Ireland finishes in the top two of their current group, they could face Israel again in the Euro 2028 qualifier draw in December.

Séamus Coleman will join the training group next week in what Hallgrímsson described as a hybrid role. The 38-year-old is not included in the initial 24-man list but will train with the team. He is expected to lead meetings with the players. Hallgrímsson cited Coleman’s professionalism, focus, and experience as reasons for his involvement. The manager noted that Coleman has not played for a first team at the club level since leaving Everton this summer.

Coleman’s inclusion raises questions about his role during the previous window. Hallgrímsson explained that he viewed Coleman solely as a player at that time. He felt that adding Coleman as a regular starter would have been unfair to players who were playing weekly club football. The manager said he did not consider the hybrid leadership role for the earlier matches.

Changes to the squad were limited. Captain Nathan Collins returned from injury, as did Queens Park Rangers midfielder Harvey Vale. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was left out in favor of Mark Travers. The FAI attributed the change to a quad injury. Bazunu told Hallgrímsson he would be fit for the international matches, but the manager noted that the Bolton goalkeeper is not fit to play for his club this weekend.

Finn Azaz is included in the squad. Hallgrímsson said there were no doubts about the Southampton midfielder continuing his international career. Sources close to the FAI had suggested on the eve of the first Israel game that Azaz might not play for Ireland again. The manager said he spoke with most of his players about the previous window. He noted that most said the experience was behind them and that the team is looking forward.

Hallgrímsson has not identified the enemies he mentioned after the second Israel match. He referred to them as those who kick you when you are low. He acknowledged that the external pressure brought the group closer together. He said the team became more united during the three weeks of the last camp. The squad will begin preparations for the Austria match next week.