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Coleman returns to the Republic of Ireland squad

Seamus ColemanGetty Images

Seamus Coleman is one of seven players to return to the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Everton defender is back for the first time since September 2024 as Heimir Hallgrimsson's side prepare to travel to Lisbon to face Portugal on Saturday, 11 October before hosting Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday, 14 October.

Coleman's return comes as fellow right-back Matt Doherty is ruled out through injury, while defenders John Egan and Callum O'Dowda have also earned call-ups thanks to their form for Hull City and Ferencvaros respectively.

With Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal out through injury, Jayson Molumby and Will Smallbone are included among the midfielders, while Troy Parrott is back in the squad after he was forced to withdraw from the September internationals due to injury.

The AZ Alkmaar attacker is hoping to feature against Telstar in the Eredivisie this weekend, after which he will be will be assessed by the FAI medical team upon his arrival into camp.

In another return to the squad, Festy Ebosele's displays in the Turkish Süper Lig for İstanbul Başakşehir have seen him included in the 24-man squad.

The Republic of Ireland face an uphill battle to reach the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico following a 2-2 home draw against Hungary in their opening qualifier, followed by a shock loss away to Armenia.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Callum O'Dowda (Ferencvaros).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Millwall), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton)..

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town).