Kasey McAteer earns maiden Ireland call-up, Shane Duffy misses out

Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his squad for a testing Nation League double header.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and assistant John O'Shea at Tallaght Stadium. Pic:  Brain Lawless/PA Wire.

Kasey McAteer is part of the first Ireland squad unveiled today by Heimir Hallgrimsson after the Leicester City winger has his eligibility cleared by Fifa.

Efforts were underway during Stephen Kenny’s era to enlist the English-born winger but injuries delayed his availability. The 22-year-old has featured in both of the Foxes’ Premier League matches so far this season off the bench before starting the Carabao Cup win over Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday.

Evan Ferguson, on his way back from an injury layoff, has been included while veteran defender Shane Duffy is not in the squad. 

Tom Cannon is not named amongst the midfielders and may feature for the U21s. 

Cardiff City striker Callum Robinson, who scored in the south Wales derby at the weekend against Swansea City, comes back into the squad as well as Cork native, Alan Browne. 

In-form Jayson Molumby may be parachuted straight back into the starting team as Josh Cullen’s injury-enforced absence leaves the squad with just four recognised central midfielders.

Chiedozie Ogbene and Nathan Collins, who were ruled out of the Hungary and Portugal matches through injury, also return to the squad.

The new boss begins with a testing pair of Uefa Nations League openers, first against England on Saturday week before Greece visit three days later.

The Icelander, appointed in mid-July, will be at the national stadium on Lansdowne Road at lunchtime to officially name his squad for the pair of games, with players due to assemble next Monday.

Ireland squad for England and Greece 

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City).

Attackers: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).