Coleman returns to Republic of Ireland squad
Coleman was injured in Republic of Ireland's 2-0 defeat to England in September
- Published
Fit-again captain Seamus Coleman has been named in Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League matches with Finland and England.
The 36-year-old Everton defender missed the October games against Finland and Greece after suffering a leg injury in the 2-0 defeat by England in September.
Norwich defender Shane Duffy is also recalled to Heimir Hallgrimsson's 23-strong squad and joins returning Stoke striker Tom Cannon, but there is still no place for Wolves' Matt Doherty or Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne.
Midfielder Andy Moran has earned a first senior call-up following his impressive performances for Republic of Ireland's Under-21s while Luton Town defender Mark McGuinness, who is yet to make his international debut, retains his place after missing the games in October through injury.
Robbie Brady, Andrew Omobamidele, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jack Taylor and Will Smallbone are all out injured for the crucial double-header.
The Republic face Finland at the Aviva Stadium on 14 November and then England at Wembley three days later.
Last month their Icelandic manager secured the first win of his reign at the third attempt - a 2-1 win over Finland in Helsinki - followed by a 2-0 defeat in Greece.
Hallgrimsson's side are third in League B Group 2 and go into their final group games knowing that they will either be relegated from League B or have to face a relegation/promotion play-off in 2025.
"This will be our last chance to experiment, give players the chance to play," said Hallgrimsson.
"Even though we want to take steps and progress as a team, we also like to see some players get their minutes because next year all matches will be important matches [when the World Cup qualifiers begin]," he added.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).