Chiedozie Ogbene returns as Ireland name squad for opening World Cup qualifiers

BACK IN BUSINESS: Chiedozie Ogbene is back in the Ireland squad. ©INPHO/James Crombie

Chiedozie Ogbene returns to the Republic of Ireland squad for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign against Hungary and Armenia next month.

Ogbene is back in the 23 man squad for the first time since October 2024 following his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture.

The Cork native is included alongside with his clubmate Sammie Szmodics, while Mickey Johnston and Finn Azaz bolster Ireland's attacking options with in-form Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson.

Parrott has been in incredible form so far this season, scoring 10 goals, including netting in seven consecutive matches to set a new record for AZ Alkmaar.

Ferguson has also made a promising start to his loan spell with Roma, earning the Man of the Match award on his Serie A debut in their 1-0 win over Bologna.

The squad is also boosted by the return of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who has recovered from last season's knee injury.

In defence, there is a call-up for Stoke City’s Bosun Lawal, who has impressed for the early Championship leaders, alongside Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne, who earned his first cap in March.

In midfield, Burnley captain Josh Cullen returns to the squad after he was rested for the summer friendlies and scored in a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend. He is joined by Jason Knight, Killian Phillips and Jack Taylor.

Notable absentees from the squad include veteran Seamus Coleman, along with Festy Ebosele, Will Smallbone, Jayson Molumby and Callum O’Dowda, who have all failed to make the cut for the double-header.

Republic of Ireland Squad - Hungary & Armenia

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren).

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).

Fixtures - FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifying

06/09 - Rep of Ireland v Hungary, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm

09/09 - Armenia v Rep of Ireland, Republican Stadium, 5pm (8pm local).