Azaz, Egan and Scales back in Ireland team for Austria test

Finn Azaz returns after being rested for Israeli fixture. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Finn Azaz is one of three newcomers to the Ireland side that hosts Austria in the third game of this contentious four-game window.

Heimir Hallgrímsson made a conscious decision to omit the Southampton playmaker for last Sunday’s match against Israel, given the ‘unique’ situation he was in of being eligible of both nations.

Also returning to the team are defenders John Egan and Liam Scales but there’s no place for regulars Jake O’Brien or Jayson Molumby.

Adam Idah and Jack Moylan, who both scored after being called on for Sunday’s 3-0 in Debrecen, retain their places as support for the other scorer, Troy Parrott.

Azaz will be deployed deeper as a midfielder, partnering Conor Coventry in the engine-room.

Your Ireland starting XI to face Austria 🇮🇪

John Egan, Liam Scales & Finn Azaz all return with Dara O’Shea captaining the side©️

Kick-off in Dublin is 75 minutes away 🏟️☘️ pic.twitter.com/L73br1lcNx

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 1, 2026

“Austria are one of the best pressing teams in the world,” noted the Ireland manager about the side led by former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.

“We know that their coach is a Red Bull product and because Finn is one of best technical players, we need his cleverness in midfield.”

Hallgrímsson has spoken of his concern about a hostile reception from the crowd over their fulfilment of the match against Israel but seemed to be relieved despite speculation of another in-game disruption during the context.

“When we were driving to the stadium today, it was nice,” he said. “I expected more but there were lots of cheers for the players. Hopefully we can give them a good game.” 

IRELAND: (3-4-2-1): C Kelleher; D O’Shea, J Egan, L Scales; J Abankwah, C Coventry, F Azaz, R Manning; A Idah, J Moylan; T Parrott.