McGrath's recall another high point in a memorable season so far
Jamie McGrath's recall to the Irish soccer squad for the forthcoming games against Finland and Greece is certainly a positive step for the Athboy man who is part of a memorable season with Aberdeen.
The Dons have gone 12 games undefeated under new manager Jimmy Thelin, a young Swedish coach who appears to have the midas touch.
Along with Celtic, the Dons are to the forefront of the Scottish Premiership and McGrath has been a central figure in their remarkable run.
Certainly the Aberdeen fans have been happy with him. "Get McGrath a new contract ASAP. He's been fantastic for us," posted one fan on the Aberdeen Facebook page.
Last season Aberdeen had a very turbulent campaign with frequent changes of managers.
Congratulations on the Aberdeen Facebook pages have also been extended towards McGrath on getting the call up to the Irish squad by new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
The Athboy man was left out of Hallgrimsson's first squad announced for games against England and Greece few weeks go , both of which the Boys in Green lost, both of them 0-2.
However clearly Hallgrimsson and his assistant John O'Shea feel McGrath can bring something to the table.
Evan Ferguson is, as expected, included in the panel also. He got some game time against both England and Greece as he continues his journey back to full, match fitness after a serious ankle injury.
Ireland are set to face Finland in Helsinki on Thursday, 10th with kick-off at 7.45pm (9.45pm local time) before a trip to Athens to face Greece on Sunday, October 13, with kick-off at 7.45pm (9.45pm local time).
Luton Town centre-back Mark McGuinness receives his first call-up to the senior squad following his impressive form for the Hatters this season whilst Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz is recalled to the squad.
There is also a return to the squad for West Bromwich Albion winger Mikey Johnston whilst Watford right-back Festy Ebosele, who came into the squad for the injured Seamus Coleman for the Greece game last month, is also named. Josh Cullen was ruled out of the matches against England and Greece in September through injury but the Burnley midfielder comes back into the squad for the away double-header.
Ipswich Town midfielder Jack Taylor receives his first call-up to the Ireland squad since June 2023 after impressing for the Tractor Boys and will be looking to make his first appearance in a green jersey for Ireland against Finland and Greece next week.
Republic of Ireland Squad - Finland & Greece
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)
Defenders: Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen)
Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar)