Republic of Ireland Squad: Seamus Coleman Out, Liam Kitching Earns First Call-up

Seamus Coleman has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirming the veteran defender agreed to sit out the matches. According to the BBC, the 37-year-old is without a club after ending a 17-year career with Everton at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

The former team captain made 433 appearances for the Toffees and featured in June’s international friendlies. However, he misses the 26-man roster for the upcoming four-match window alongside several other regular starters. The Republic of Ireland will play away against Kosovo on 24 September 2026, before facing Israel on 27 September 2026, Austria on 1 October 2026, and Israel again in Group B3 on 4 October 2026.

Rationale Behind Coleman’s Absence and Squad Changes

Hallgrimsson addressed the decision during his squad announcement on Thursday, noting that the defender’s clubless status heavily influenced the outcome. It is my intention in whatever shape or form that he would be with us in the future, hopefully as a player, Hallgrimsson said, as reported by the BBC. His intention is to play, he’s keeping fit but he hasn’t been training with a club so we felt together, and it was more his decision, that it would be appropriate he sit out this one, mostly because he thought it was unfair to other players that he would be taking up a place. Coleman’s absence leaves an 81-cap void in the Irish backline. Alongside Coleman, fellow veteran Robbie Brady is also omitted due to being without a club.

Injuries Hit Defensive and Midfield Options

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins is unavailable due to a calf injury. According to the BBC, Collins sustained the issue during Brentford’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland on 5 September 2026.

A series of additional injuries ruled out several other key contributors for the autumn window. The unavailable group includes:

• Evan Ferguson with an ankle injury
• Josh Cullen with a knee injury
• Jack Taylor with a knee injury
• Mikey Johnston with an ankle injury
• Oisin McEntee
• Jimmy Dunne, who sustained a muscular injury earlier in September 2026

New Faces Earn First International Call-Ups

The defensive absences opened the door for fresh selections. Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching earned his first senior international call-up. Kitching is currently playing on a season-long loan from Coventry City as a left-sided centre-back.

Uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Owen Elding of Sligo Rovers are also in the 26-man group, putting them in contention to win their first senior caps during the demanding four-match international window.