Rocco Vata and James Abankwah have received their first senior call-ups for the Republic of Ireland ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Bulgaria. The Watford duo, who have impressed at club level, step up from the Under-21 squad as manager Heimir Hallgrimsson looks to reshape his team.
Vata, 19, has been in fine form this season, contributing three goals and three assists for Watford, while Abankwah has impressed in defence since joining the club on loan from Serie A side Udinese. Their inclusion signals Hallgrimsson’s intent to integrate fresh talent into the national setup.
Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne also receives his first senior international call-up and will be hoping to make his debut. Meanwhile, Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong returns to the squad for the first time since making his international debut against the Netherlands in October 2023.
Midfield reinforcements include Southampton’s Will Smallbone, who returns to the squad for the first time since September 2024 after recovering from injury. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is also back in contention, having recovered from an Achilles injury that had sidelined him since March 2024. Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes makes his return to the international fold for the first time since June 2024.
Ireland will travel to Plovdiv for the first leg against Bulgaria on Thursday, March 21, before hosting the return fixture at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Sunday, March 23. Victory over two legs would ensure Ireland retains its League B status, while a defeat would see them relegated to League C.
Republic of Ireland Squad for UEFA Nations League Play-Offs
Goalkeepers:
- Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool)
- Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from AFC Bournemouth)
- Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liége, on loan from Southampton)
Defenders:
- Jake O’Brien (Everton)
- Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Nathan Collins (Brentford)
- Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town)
- Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers)
- James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese)
- Robbie Brady (Preston North End)
- Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City)
Midfielders:
- Josh Cullen (Burnley)
- Jason Knight (Bristol City)
- Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town)
- Mark Sykes (Bristol City)
- Will Smallbone (Southampton)
- Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough)
Attackers:
- Evan Ferguson (West Ham United, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Adam Idah (Celtic)
- Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar)
- Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City)
- Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion)
- Rocco Vata (Watford)
Hallgrimsson’s squad selection reflects a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent as Ireland prepares for a crucial test in its Nations League campaign.
