Sinclair Armstrong set for Ireland recall with attacking options depleted

Ireland play Bulgaria next Thursday in the first leg of their Nations League playoff. Whichever side prevails from the tie, they will be part of Tier B next year.

PROMOTION: Sinclair Armstrong made a surprise Ireland senior debut debut against Netherlands in 2023. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sinclair Armstrong has been promoted to the Ireland squad which Heimir Hallgrímsson unveils on Thursday lunchtime for the upcoming Nations League playoff against Bulgaria.

Armstrong (21) made a surprise debut for the senior squad against Netherlands in 2023 towards the end of Stephen Kenny’s era but his switch from QPR to Bristol City has eventually regained him a spot in the panel.

Hallgrímsson’s attacking options have been depleted by injuries to Sammie Szmodics, as well as wingers Festy Ebosele and Kasey McAteer.

Tom Cannon’s fallow period since joining Sheffield United may cost him a place in that department but free-scoring Adam Idah will return having missed the last window in November.

His Celtic teammate Johnny Kenny is part of the provisional squad but not expected to feature in the final cut unless there’s withdrawals.

Evan Ferguson and Troy Parrott have developed into the Icelander’s preferred partnership, with Championship operators Mikey Johnston and Finn Azaz set to provide support over the two legs. Uncapped Watford attacker Rocco Vata will bolster the contingencies.

In defence, the place of Mark McGuinness – thrown in for his bow against Wembley – is under threat due to Luton Town’s plunge towards another relegation. 

Jake O’Brien, now a regular at Everton, will be recalled but it’s uncertain whether his Everton teammate Séamus Coleman will be deemed sufficiently match-fit for inclusion.

Corkman Josh Honohan is in the mix for a debut call following his stellar first year with Shamrock Rovers, as is Vata’s clubmate James Abankwah, while Robbie Brady returns from injury.

Both Liam Scales and Jayson Molumby will miss the first leg due to suspension.

Ireland are in Plovdiv next Thursday for the first leg before the return fixture in Dublin on Sunday week.

Whichever nation prevails from the tie, which could run to extra-time and penalties, will be part of Tier B in next year’s latest Nations League installment.