readeverton.com

Everton duo O’Brien and Travers face Austria test in Ireland Nations League clash

Jake O’Brien and Mark Travers are in contention to feature for the Republic of Ireland against Austria on Saturday evening, with both Everton players included in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad for a crucial UEFA Nations League double-header.

Ireland travel to the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz for a 7.45pm GMT kick-off, looking for a result that could strengthen their position in the group ahead of Tuesday’s home fixture against Kosovo.

Neither Everton player has been confirmed in the starting line-up, but the match offers O’Brien another opportunity to add to his international appearances, while Travers is back in the squad following an injury to Gavin Bazunu.

O’Brien and Travers in Ireland squad for Austria

O’Brien is among the defensive options available to Hallgrimsson, alongside returning captain Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea and Liam Scales. The Everton defender has been used both centrally and at right-back by David Moyes, although his role against Austria will depend on Ireland’s team selection.

Travers was recalled after Bazunu was ruled out through injury. He joins Caoimhin Kelleher and Max O’Leary in the goalkeeping group, with competition for a place in the starting side.

The Football Association of Ireland confirmed both Everton players in its 24-man squad, while its official match preview lists the Austria fixture for Saturday evening.

There is another Everton connection in the Ireland camp. Seamus Coleman is working with the squad in a hybrid coaching and leadership role, although Hallgrimsson has confirmed he will not be part of the matchday squad against Austria. His availability for Tuesday’s meeting with Kosovo has not been ruled out.

Nations League points at stake in Linz

Ireland face an important finish to their Nations League campaign, with Austria away followed by Kosovo in Dublin on Tuesday 17 November. Hallgrimsson has welcomed Collins back from injury and reported no fresh fitness concerns ahead of Saturday’s match. Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, will provide a demanding test despite having several players unavailable.

For Everton supporters, O’Brien’s possible involvement will be of particular interest given his importance to Moyes’ defensive options. Travers will also be hoping for an opportunity, although his return to the international squad does not guarantee minutes on the pitch.

Other Everton players in international action

Saturday’s programme also includes a meeting between Northern Ireland and Ukraine, with Braiden Graham and Vitalii Mykolenko involved in their respective national squads. Both countries are scheduled to play at 7.45pm GMT.

At youth level, Luis Gardner and Shea Pita are with Wales Under-19s for their European Championship qualifier against Spain, while Kai Hutchison is part of Scotland Under-17s’ squad to face Albania.

Sunday brings further Everton interest, with Brennan Johnson’s Wales taking on Norway and England facing Spain. Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner are all part of the England squad.

Everton return to Premier League action away to Brentford on Monday 23 November at 8pm GMT. Moyes will be hoping his international players return fit as the Blues look to build on three consecutive league victories.

For all the latest Everton news, reaction and analysis, visit our Everton news page.**

Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.

View all articles →

Comments

Loading comments…