SEAMUS COLEMAN WILL be named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the start of the Nations League campaign next week.
New manager Heimir Hallgrimsson will confirm the captain’s inclusion at Aviva Stadium today.
England visit Dublin on 7 September, followed by another home game with Greece three days later, and Coleman is set to be available for selection after shaking off a calf injury.
The 35-year-old started Everton’s Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night before being withdrawn after the hour mark.
Hallgrimsson will hold a joint press conference today with assistant head coach John O’Shea, although there are other selection headaches to contend with.
Midfielder Josh Cullen started Burnley’s first two games of the Championship season but has been absent since with an unspecified injury after picking up what the club described as “a knock.”
Manager Scott Parker said Cullen is “touch and go” to feature in their derby with Blackburn Rovers this Saturday and insisted that if he is not fit enough to be involved in that game then “he won’t be ready for Ireland.”
The international management team will be hoping that Evan Ferguson can see some minutes in the Premier League when Brighton face Arsenal in the 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday.
The 19-year-old was an unsued substitute on Tuesday night after making his comeback following ankle surgery in April.
Really looking forward to the game. Had thought that this game was a real bad hand for new manager but on reflection it might be perfect. Nobody expects anything other than a loss, maybe even a heavy one. No pressure. Will be too soon for the new manager to impose much but hopefully we see improvement at set pieces where we have gone to pieces both in defence and attack.
@Bert Carolan: great winning attitude there
@Halftime: Perhaps he understands fully where Ireland at player quality wise and just giving his expectations based on that.
@Leonard Barry: Actually I’m quietly optimistic about the new manager, seems very pragmatic. But England are a level above us at the moment.
Great servant but 35 time for him to retire. We need a fresh few faces in but it be doubtful that we see any new faces or different selections in this squad.
@Leighton Cullen: probably there more for his squad/dressing room influence and the respect with which he is held by his own club and supporters than anything else. He epitomises the true professional and is a proper role model. Clever having him in squad imo.
@Leighton Cullen: still our best option at rb. Only if you want to throw in one of our CBs there i.e Dara O’Shea
Cant wait for the world cup group no idea what united nations is