LAST UPDATE | 14 Nov 2023
BLACKBURN AND REPUBLIC of Ireland U21 international Andrew Moran has been called up to Stephen Kenny’s senior squad for the upcoming games with the Netherlands and New Zealand as doubts emerge over several key players.
There are doubts surrounding Will Smallbone, Evan Ferguson, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Jamie McGrath, all of whom underwent scans for injuries on Monday.
Brighton loanee Moran, who has registered two goals and six assists for Blackburn in all competitions, has been drafted in after all three of Evan Ferguson, Chiedoze Ogbene and Jamie McGrath underwent scans on injuries on Monday.
Smallbone, Ferguson, Ogbene and McGrath all reported for international duty but will undergo further assessment before a determination is made on their availabilities.
None have officially been ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Dutch, but Kenny did appear to say he is most concerned about Ogbene and Smallbone.
“We’re just monitoring their situations at the moment and not all of them are straightforward.”, said Kenny at a press briefing today. “We reported yesterday and they were all scanned yesterday. Obviously we have the result of their scans but it’s not just about the scans, it’s about managing the injuries and so forth and we’ll see how that goes over the next few days.
“It is early. Chiedozie is finding it difficult and we will have to wait and see in regard to Chiedozie, and also Will Smallbone as well. They are all doubtful, so we have to see how they are.”
Ferguson missed Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday with a back injury. Ogbene is understood to have carried a tight hamstring into Luton’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester United a day prior but the nature of his complaint on Ireland duty is unknown. McGrath also missed Aberdeen’s 6-0 thrashing by Celtic on Sunday with a hamstring issue.
Moran is in line to make his senior international debut but his call-up will mean that he will miss Ireland U21s’ European qualifiers away to Norway on Friday and at home to Italy on Tuesday. Moran was initially called up for last month’s qualifier against Gibraltar, but was ruled out with an ankle injury he picked up on U21 duty.
“He is quite versatile, Andy”, said Kenny. “I have seen him play as a midfield player for Blackburn and he’s also played recently on the left as well, wide on the left. He’s a versatile player and, at Brighton, he was nearly a second striker at times. He’s just a good footballer and technically good. He has done well for Blackburn and the Irish U21 team. With uncertainty over a couple of players, we’re delighted to bring him in.
Asked whether he was conflicted about calling up Moran before two crucial qualifiers for the U21s, Kenny said, “I always take that into consideration. That’s why we didn’t pick in the initial squad. We’re unsure of a few players we mentioned so Andrew gives us a few options in a variety of positions. His ultimate ambition is to play for the senior Ireland team.”
The piece was amended to correct an error regarding Will Smallbone’s fitness – he is doubtful for the upcoming games, but has not been ruled out
With reporting by Gavin Cooney
