Heimir Hallgrímsson is set to name his Ireland squad for the relegation play off of the UEFA Nations League fixtures this Thursday.
The Irish head coach will hope to build momentum heading into 2026 World Cup qualifying this September, with the Bulgaria tie seen as an opportunity for Ireland to pick up two wins and rebuild confidence after the disaster in Wembley last November. Although Heimir Hallgrimssons men finished third in a difficult Nations League group, most Irish fans will be content with his start in charge of The Boys in Green if they can avoid relegation against Bulgaria.
With a variety of injury problems and breakout stars coming through, it looks like there will be several changes to Hallgrímsson's Ireland squad on Thursday afternoon.
We broken this down into three categories - players who look certain to return; players who've reportedly been named in the provisional squad, and players who will miss out through injury.
Players to return to Hallgrímsson's squad
Jake O’Brien
When we talk about in form Irish players, Jake O’Brien is certainly a name that comes to mind. After not making the Ireland squad for the games in November due to a lack of game-time, O’Brien is a cert to return to the camp.
Ever since Sean Dyche’s sacking and David Moyes’s arrival to the Toffees, the Cork native has been reinvented as a right back, helping fill the void in Seamus Coleman's absence.
Heimir and John O'Shea were at Molineux on Saturday to see O'Brien's Everton draw with Wolves. O'Brien is a nailed on inclusion in Thursday’s squad.
Will Smallbone
After missing the Finland and England games in November due to injury, Will Smallbone is one that will return to the squad.
A player playing regularly in the Premier League is rarely not picked by Ireland and particularly in midfield. The Southampton player started both of Hallgrimsson's first two games in charge.
Despite playing for the bottom side in the Premier League, Smallbone will come into the squad in high spirits after scoring against Liverpool this past weekend.
"Delighted for him. He's a brilliant player. In training, he's the best player in five-a-side." 🗣️@ShaneLong7, @No1shaygiven and @EoinMcDevitt react to Will Smallbone's first-half goal for Southampton against Liverpool 😇🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/P9lWqno290
— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) March 8, 2025
Gavin Bazunu
After returning from a 10 month injury lay-off from an Achilles rupture, Gavin Bazunu made the loan move to Belgian side, Standard Liege in search of regular first team football.
After a rocky opening couple of games in Belgium due to the long spell on the sidelines, the Southampton loanee is back to his best after a MOTM display against Club Brugge.
Despite Bazunu’s return to first-team football, he will be Caoimhin Kelleher’s deputy, adding to an already very strong pool of goalkeepers.
📛 | Opnieuw een TOP save van Gavin Bazunu! 🔥 #STAAND pic.twitter.com/gabqk7tVQk
— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) March 2, 2025
Potential new faces in Hallgrímsson's squad
Rocco Vata
Rocco Vata is a name that’s really starting to get Irish fans excited and is set to get his chance in the senior side. According to David Sneyd in the 42, the Watford winger will be named in Thursday's squad.
Vata who was top scorer for Ireland in the previous under-21 qualifying campaign has become a household name in the Championship as one of the best prospects in the EFL scoring some worldies whilst also setting up a few also.
A real talent that will get fans off their seats in Lansdowne Road.
A Rocket from Rocco 🚀
Rocco Vata with a stunner from distance for @WatfordFC 🤯#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/lrfUJWC4ZH— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 9, 2025
James Abankwah
Ever since signing for Watford on loan in January, James Abankwah has put him right in the shop window for Heimir Hallgrimssons squad.
Abankwah was initially brought in to play right back at the Hornets but has since been moved to a role at centre half where he is flourishing. Tough in the tackle, strong in the air and elite at carrying the ball out of the backline, he will add a lot to this setup.
It is expected that he will join Watford team-mate Vata in getting their maiden call-ups.
Josh Honahan
Josh Honahan could be the first League of Ireland star to be called up to a Ireland senior squad since Jonathan Afolabi in September 2023.
Honahan is a very versatile footballer, playing in both wingback positions for Shamrock Rovers over the past year and excelling in everything he does. The ability he’s shown to perform against some top European sides has rightly put him in place to make an Ireland squad for the first time. Dan McDonnell of the Irish Independent reported on Thursday at Honohan has been named in the provisional squad for these two games.
Johnny Kenny
Despite returning to Celtic in January, Johnny Kenny, like Honahan, was exceptional for Shamrock Rovers in their European run in 2024.
It has been reported by Neil O'Riordan in the Irish Sun that Kenny has made the provisional squad and although he’s barely played since returning to Celtic in January which makes the opportunity of making the final squad unlikely, this recognition is something that the striker deserves.
Kenny's inclusion would be another huge boost for the LOI showing that senior internationals can come from home.
When Johnny Kenny did this 😮💨#UECL | @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/aAyK1wwhE0
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) January 6, 2025
Who's likely to be out of the Ireland squad
Sammie Szmodics
The Ipswich star has been a constant presence in the Ireland XI since he made his debut in 2023. However the injury he suffered last month requires surgery, so we may not see him in an Ireland squad before the World Cup qualifiers.
Festy Ebosele
After announcing himself on the international scene in 2024, Festy will be a huge miss to the Ireland squad this month.
An impressive display in Wembley and a game-winning cameo in Helsinki have made the Wexford native an instant fan favorite.
Sadly, before signing for Istanbul Basaksehir in January, Festy picked up a knee injury that is likely to rule him out. Despite returning to individual training, it seems this window has come too early for the winger.
Festy Ebosele ➡️ Robbie Brady#NationsLeague | @IrelandFootball pic.twitter.com/1rmrOHATqv
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) October 12, 2024
Max O’Leary
Max O’Leary is set to miss out on the squad through no fault of his own. It’s simply because Gavin Bazunu’s return from injury has pushed him back down to fourth in the pecking order.
If anything is to happen to our goalkeepers between now and the first leg against Bulgaria. O’Leary is a very solid backup to bring in.
