Séamus Coleman named in Ireland squad for World Cup play-offs

Séamus Coleman has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup play-off match against Czechia.

The Killybegs man has been included in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad despite not playing since November after being taken off in the first ten minutes of Everton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in Old Trafford.

Coleman, who is captain of the Republic of Ireland team, played a pivotal role in the Irish qualifiers ten days prior to his injury, as he started both matches in wins over Portugal and Hungary as Ireland finished second in their group to reach the World Cup play-offs.

Ireland take on Czechia next Thursday, March 26, in Prague in their play-off semi-final.

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A win would give them a home play-off final against either Denmark or North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday, with the winners qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Former Letterkenny Rovers underage player James Abankwah, who plays for Watford, has also been included in the squad.

Harvey Vale of QPR has received a first call-up, while Alan Browne and Robbie Brady both return to the squad.

Republic of Ireland Squad – Czechia & Denmark/North Macedonia

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Mark Travers (Everton), Josh Keeley (Luton Town).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O’Brien (Everton), John Egan (Hull City), James Abankwah (Watford), Liam Scales (Celtic)*, Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Middlesbrough), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Harvey Vale (QPR).

Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Johnny Kenny (Bolton Wanderers, on loan from Celtic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United, on loan from Ipswich Town), Sammie Szmodics (Derby County, on loan from Ipswich Town)

*Suspended for Czechia game