Republic of Ireland recall Armstrong for play-off
Armstrong won his sole cap off the bench for the Republic of Ireland against Netherlands in 2023
- Published
Sinclair Armstrong has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their Nations League play-off against Bulgaria later this month.
Heimir Hallgrimsson has also included uncapped Watford duo Rocco Vata and James Abankwah as well as QPR defender Jimmy Dunne in his 23-man squad.
The Republic of Ireland will face Bulgaria in the League B promotion/relegation play-off with the first leg in Plovdiv on Thursday 20 March and the return leg at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Sunday 23 March.
Armstrong won his only cap under Stephen Kenny in a defeat by Netherlands in September 2023, but the Bristol City striker has not been included in a squad since.
The 21-year-old has three goals in 28 appearances for Bristol City this season and has not scored since November.
There is also a recall for Gavin Bazunu, who is on loan at Standard Liege from Southampton as he looks to rediscover his best form after an Achilles injury saw him sidelined for 10 months.
Adam Idah and Robbie Brady, who both missed the November window with injuries return alongside Everton's Jake O'Brien.
There is no place for O'Brien's club teammate Seamus Coleman, who is still working his way back to full fitness following a hamstring injury.
Will Smallbone and Mark Sykes also feature in a much-changed squad from the November international window, with Belfast-born Sykes included for the first time under Hallgrimsson.
Jayson Molumby, Mark McGuinness, Shane Duffy, Andy Moran and Tom Cannon miss out, whilst Ipswich's Sammie Szmodics, as well as wingers Festy Ebosele and Kasey McAteer have been ruled out through injury.
Vata can be a 'game changer'
Vata has featured regularly for Republic of Ireland under-21s
Hallgrimsson said he was excited by the inclusion of 19-year-old Vata, who has caught the eye with Watford with three goals and three assists so far this season.
"The winger position has been a bit worrying for us, lots of injuries in that position which gives us a chance to call in Vata," he said.
"He has played well for Watford this season; he can win games and give us something different. Has scored a few really nice goals this season."
The Republic of Ireland boss dismissed the idea that Vata was called up to fend off interest from Albania, who he is also eligible to represent.
"No [he was not called up due to Albania's interest], it is his quality, he did well for the under-21s, and he can be a game changer.
Whilst frustrated by injuries which has in part, forced 11 changes from the last squad, Hallgrimsson admitted that it was "the life of a national team coach".
He did, however, point to the recent emergence of depth in the right-back position, even without the inclusion of captain Coleman, who Hallgrimsson admitted "wasn't thrilled" to have been left out of this squad.
"The right-back situation has changed; we have a lot of players playing there at a high-level," he added.
"Matt Doherty has played all the minutes for Wolves and has been really good, Jake O'Brien same for Everton and Jimmy Dunne can play there so we are pretty well covered."
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liege on loan from Southampton).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolves), Jake O'Brien (Everton) Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), James Abankwah (Watford), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Robbie Brady (Preston), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Mark Sykes (Bristol City).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (West Ham on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Rocco Vata (Watford), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).