Collins returns as Hallgrimsson names Republic of Ireland squad for Austria and Kosovo fixtures

Nathan Collins is back in the fold after recovering from injury. Pic: Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has named a 24-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Austria and Kosovo.

Ireland travel to Linz to face Austria on Saturday, 14 November at the Raiffeisen Arena, before returning home to Dublin to host Kosovo at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November.

The squad is bolstered by the return of captain Nathan Collins, who is back in the fold after recovering from injury, while attacking midfielder Harvey Vale also returns to the setup having successfully completed his own rehabilitation.

In the goalkeeping department, Mark Travers returns to the squad to replace Gavin Bazunu, who misses out through injury.

The squad will assemble in Dublin on Monday ahead of the trip to Austria for the first of the two crucial fixtures.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Max O'Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Mark Travers (Everton).

Defenders: Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), John Egan (Hull City), Liam Kitching (Sheffield United), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Jake O'Brien (Everton), James Abankwah (Watford), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Liam Scales (Celtic). 

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Harvey Vale (QPR), Finn Azaz (Southampton).

Forwards: Troy Parrott (Real Betis), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Tom Cannon (Sheffield United), Jack Moylan (Cardiff City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Lincoln City), Rocco Vata (Watford).

Fixtures:

Saturday, November 14: Austria v Republic of Ireland, Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, 7.45pm (8.45pm local) 

Tuesday, November 17: Republic of Ireland v Kosovo, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm