Irish fans will be hoping Evan Ferguson can add to his three goals he has already scored for his country at senior level.

Ferguson included in new manager's first squad but McGrath misses out

Hallgrimsson prepares to face England

Jimmy Geoghegan

Published: Thu 29 Aug 2024, 2:44 PM

Last updated: Thu 29 Aug 2024, 2:52 PM

Evan Ferguson has been included in Heimir Hallgrimsson's first Republic of Ireland squad but there's no place for Jamie McGrath.

Ferguson, the Meath Chronicle Sports Person of the Year for 2023, is back in training after recovering from a ankle injury but he wasn't included in the Brighton & Hove Albion squad for the club's most recent league game against Manchester Utd last weekend.

He was, however, included in the squad for the League Cup clash on Tuesday night.

Ferguson, who has 12 caps already, had a torrid closing few months to last season as he struggled to find the net and will be seeking to nail-down a starting place on Brighton & Hove Albion's team.

McGrath had a bright start to his Scottish Premiership campaign scoring for Aberdeen against St Mirren.

Having been part of previous squads chosen by current Republic of Ireland assistant manager John O'Shea, McGrath would have harboured realistic hopes of getting in the squad but he has instead found himself left out.

While Ferguson at 19 is still only at the foothills of his career it's a different story for 35-year-old Seamus Coleman but he is in line to add to his cap collections as he is also part of the squad after recovering from a calf problem.

Hallgrimsson has also called up Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer after the 22-year-old completed his paperwork and received international clearance from FIFA.

John O'Shea told RTÉ Sport that the Leicester man is a "good attacking option".

Ireland are set to welcome England to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 7th September, with kick-off at 5pm, before Greece visit Dublin 4 on Tuesday, 10th September, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Republic of Ireland squad v England and Greece (both live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player)

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City).

Attackers: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).