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Heimir Hallgrimsson brings in new faces for Ireland in Nations League squad

Published 12:34 13 Mar 2025 GMT

Updated 12:54 13 Mar 2025 GMT

Colman Stanley
Heimir Hallgrimsson brings in new faces for Ireland in Nations League squad

Homesport

Some positive changes for the Boys in Green

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League B/C relegation/promotion play-off against Bulgaria.

The games will take place on March 20 and 23, a Thursday and Sunday, with Ireland at home for the second leg.

You can check out the squad below.

Watford duo Rocco Vata and James Abankwah have earned their first call-ups to the senior squad. Former St Pat's defender Abankwah, 21, is currently on load from Udinese, while winger Vata, 19, has pitched in with three league goals and assists for his club this season.

QPR defender Jimmy Dunne is the third uncapped player in the squad, while club teammate Sinclair Armstrong has won his first call-up since October 2023.

Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone returns from injury, as does his Saints teammate - currently on load at Standard Liege - Gavin Bazunu.

Republic of Ireland Squad - UEFA Nations League

Fixtures - UEFA Nations League

20/03 - Bulgaria v Ireland, Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv, 7.45pm (Irish Time)
23/03 - Ireland v Bulgaria, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 7.45pm