Coleman not included in Republic of Ireland squad

Seamus Coleman has not been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Kosovo, Israel and Austria.

The 37-year-old has been without a club since ending a 17-year association with Everton at the end of the 2025-26 season, having made 433 appearances for the Toffees.

The former Republic of Ireland captain was part of the squad which took part in June’s international friendlies.

However, the 81-times capped player has not been included in a 26-strong group for the upcoming four matches.

The Republic of Ireland will travel to face Kosovo on 24 September, before fixtures against Israel on 27 September and Austria 1 October.

The Irish will then play a second fixture against Israel in Group B3 on 4 October.

“It is my intention in whatever shape or form that he [Coleman] would be with us in the future, hopefully as a player,” said Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson at the announcement of his squad on Thursday.

“His intention is to play, he’s keeping fit but he hasn’t been training with a club so we felt together, and it was more his decision, that it would be appropriate he sit out this one, mostly because he thought it was unfair to other players that he would be taking up a place.”

Robbie Brady is absent as he is also without a club, while captain Nathan Collins is missing through injury.

Collins is recovering from a calf injury sustained in Brentford’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland on 5 September.

Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (knee), Jack Taylor (knee), Mikey Johnston (ankle) and Oisin McEntee were also not considered because of injuries.

QPR defender Jimmy Dunne also sustained a muscular injury earlier this month.

Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching has been handed his first call-up while uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Owen Elding of Sligo Rovers are in contention for their first caps during the four-match international window.

Left-sided centre-back Kitching is on a season-long loan from Coventry City,

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Max O’Leary, Gavin Bazanu

Defenders: Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales, John Egan, James Abankwah, Jimmy Dunne, Liam Kitching, Ryan Manning, Joel Bagan

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz, Bosun Lawal, Jamie McGrath, Harvey Vale, Conor Coventry.

Forwards: Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Chiedozie Ogbene, Tom Cannon, Owen Elding, Jack Moylan, Rocco Vata.