Coleman returns to the Republic of Ireland squad

Coleman is one of seven players to return for Heimir Hallgrimsson's side

Seamus Coleman is one of seven players to return to the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Everton defender is back for the first time since September 2024 as Heimir Hallgrimsson's side prepare to travel to Lisbon to face Portugal on Saturday, 11 October before hosting Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday, 14 October.

Coleman's return comes as fellow right-back Matt Doherty is ruled out through injury, while defenders John Egan and Callum O'Dowda have also earned call-ups thanks to their form for Hull City and Ferencvaros respectively.

"We've been criticised not picking him and probably will be criticised for picking him," Hallgrimsson said of Coleman's return.

"Like before, he hasn't played much, but has played two League Cup games and we have said before his numbers are good. We know he is fit and ready to play, and would do anything for his country so happy to have him. He's in for football reasons, but will bring experience and leadership into this group.

"Missing Robbie Brady and Matt Doherty takes a lot of experience away from this squad, so it's good to have him in.

"John Egan coming back in brings quality, experience and leadership, so two senior players to help us in that area."

With Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal out through injury, Jayson Molumby and Will Smallbone are included among the midfielders, while Troy Parrott is back in the squad after he was forced to withdraw from the September internationals due to injury.

The AZ Alkmaar attacker is hoping to feature against Telstar in the Eredivisie this weekend, after which he will be will be assessed by the FAI medical team upon his arrival into camp.

"If everything goes well, he will be in the squad and hopefully get some minutes on Sunday, so we will take him into the squad, not planning to have him in the squad for Portugal, but hopefully for Armenia," Hallgrimsson said of the striker.

In another return to the squad, Festy Ebosele's displays in the Turkish Süper Lig for İstanbul Başakşehir have seen him included in the 24-man squad.

The Republic of Ireland face an uphill battle to reach the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico following a 2-2 home draw against Hungary in their opening qualifier, followed by a shock loss away to Armenia.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Callum O'Dowda (Ferencvaros).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Millwall), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton)..

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town).