Hallgrímsson faces selection puzzle as Ireland gear up for Kosovo
Heimir Hallgrímsson is set to announce his Ireland squad for the UEFA Nations League meeting with Kosovo, with Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher virtually certain to start between the posts. The decision comes after Nathan Collins and Seamus Coleman have been ruled out through injury. Hallgrímsson’s choices will shape the team’s defensive shape.
The website’s navigation lists categories such as Soccer, Rugby, Golf, Racing, Upgrade, League, LOI, Horse, Boxing, Motorsport, Athletics, NFL, NBA, Live, Video, Review, Podcasts, Sport, Extra, Football, Family, See, More, Stories, Irish, Brady and Ben, reflecting the breadth of coverage surrounding the Irish side.
Goalkeeper and defensive reshuffle
Kelleher’s place is all but guaranteed unless a late injury occurs, giving the 23‑year‑old a chance to cement his international reputation. In defence, John Egan of Hull City could be rewarded for his ever‑present Premier League season, while stand‑in captain Dara O’Shea – an English top‑flight regular with Ipswich Town – is likely to slot into a three‑man backline. The third centre‑back spot remains undecided, with Liam Scales and Celtic’s Jake O’Brien battling for the role after O’Brien’s limited game time at Everton.
Further options include the inexperienced Liam Kitching and Jimmy Dunne, both of whom have been named in the squad, and the versatile Liam Scales who may be required at centre‑back rather than his usual wing‑back position. Joel Bagan, a regular for Cardiff City, has yet to make a senior appearance for Ireland, leaving Hallgrímsson with a narrow pool of choices.
Midfield options and attacking line‑up
Jayson Molumby, who started the Czechia playoff, continues his good form with ten appearances for a West Brom side currently fifth in the Championship. With midfield absentees such as Josh Cullen, Jamie McGrath, Alan Browne, Will Smallbone and Jack Taylor, Hallgrímsson may turn to the experienced Jason Knight or the defensively‑inclined Conor Coventry, both regulars for Bristol City and Charlton respectively. Late call‑up Killian Phillips is expected to remain on reserve while Bosun Lawal stays with Stoke City to complete his rehabilitation.
Up front, the striker position is likely to be filled by Troy Parrott, the 24‑year‑old Real Betis forward who has recorded two goals and an assist in five La Liga outings. Finn Azaz, 26, provides a complementary threat after scoring three times in ten matches for Southampton. The identity of the second attacker is less certain; Chiedozie Ogbene, who featured against Czechia, has struggled for club minutes at Lincoln due to persistent injuries, while James Abankwah, 22, could earn his fifth cap after seven starts for Udinese.
Hallgrímsson appears set to retain his preferred shape of two attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker, despite calls for a two‑man forward line, especially now that Evan Ferguson is back in contention. The final XI will reflect a balance between experience and form as the Irish side prepares for the Kosovo encounter.