Coleman left out of Republic of Ireland squad for Nations League fixtures
Seamus Coleman, 37, has been omitted from the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League matches after leaving Everton without a new club. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the decision was largely Coleman's own.
Veteran defender Seamus Coleman has not been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Kosovo, Israel and Austria.
The 37-year-old has been without a club since his 17-year spell at Everton ended at the close of last season, during which he made 433 appearances for the club. The former Ireland captain, capped 81 times, was still part of the squad for June's international friendlies, but has now been left out of the 26-player group named for the upcoming international window.
Ireland will face Kosovo on 24 September, Israel on 27 September, and Austria on 1 October, before a second meeting with Israel in Group B3 on 4 October.
Manager's explanation
Speaking at Thursday's squad announcement, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he hoped Coleman would be part of the squad again in the future as a player. He explained that although Coleman is keeping fit, he has not been training with a club, and that the two of them agreed together — with the decision largely coming from Coleman himself — that it was appropriate for him to sit out this window, as he felt it would be unfair to take a squad place from other players.
Other squad changes
Robbie Brady is also absent, as he too is currently without a club. Captain Nathan Collins misses out through injury, recovering from a calf problem sustained in Brentford's recent Premier League draw with Sunderland. Several other players are unavailable due to injuries, including Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Mikey Johnston and Oisin McEntee, along with QPR's Jimmy Dunne, who picked up a muscular injury earlier this month.
Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching has received his first call-up, while uncapped players Joel Bagan of Cardiff City and Owen Elding of Sligo Rovers are both in contention to make their international debuts during this window.
