Republic of Ireland international captain Seamus Coleman has been named in the Ireland squad named on Thursday by interim manager John O'Shea for this month's international friendly double-header against Belgium and Switzerland.
Coleman is included in a 26-man squad for games against Belgium on Saturday, March 23rd - and against the the Swiss four days later.
The Killybegs man returns to the squad for the first time since the 1-0 defeat to France in March of last year, having suffered a knee injury playing for Everton in May which ruled him out of the rest of the 2023 campaign.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has been ruled out of the Belgium squad due to a groin injury.
Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Liam Scales (Celtic), Jake O'Brien (Lyon), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Festy Ebosele (Udinese).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton). Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).
