Seamus Coleman left out as Ireland name Nations League squad
Seamus Coleman has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for four Nations League fixtures.
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson named a 26-player group for the run of games in Group B3, with the former captain the most familiar name missing BBC. Coleman, 37, was part of the squad for June’s friendlies.
Ireland travel to face Kosovo on 24 September. They then play Israel on 27 September, Austria on 1 October and Israel again on 4 October.
Coleman won 81 caps for Ireland, a cap meaning a senior international appearance. He ended a 17-year association with Everton at the end of the 2025-26 season after 433 appearances for the club. He had featured in the provisional squad earlier in September before missing the final cut The42.
Captain Nathan Collins is also absent. He was ruled out with a calf injury picked up in Brentford’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland on 5 September. Robbie Brady misses out because he is currently without a club.
The injury list runs deeper. Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Mikey Johnston and Oisin McEntee were not considered because of injury.
There is fresh blood at the back. Liam Kitching has earned a first call-up while on a season-long loan at Sheffield United from Coventry City. Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Sligo Rovers player Owen Elding are both uncapped, meaning they are still waiting for a first senior appearance, and are in contention to win a first cap.
For fans, this feels like a changing of the guard. Coleman has been part of Ireland’s story for more than a decade, from major tournaments to long away nights. This squad points to what comes next.
