As we kick off 2024, the Republic of Ireland are set to enter a new era. After Stephen Kenny's time in charge of the team came to an end, a new manager will be in place by the time the March international window comes around.
It remains to be seen who will be appointed, but regardless of who it is, they are likely to bring some new players into the fold over the course of the year.
With that in mind, here are five players that could make their Ireland debuts in 2024.
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Players that could make their Republic of Ireland debuts in 2024
Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers)
Lets start with an obvious one.
Looking at his form this season, it's remarkable to think that Sammie Szmodics has not made his Ireland debut yet. The Blackburn player has been tearing it up in the Championship in recent months, topping the division's scoring charts with 16 goals in 25 appearances. He has also added three assists for good measure.
The 28-year old has been in a couple of Ireland squads in the past, although he was forced to pull out on both occasions. He most recently departed the squad during the October window due to personal reasons, something that also ruled him out of the November games.
Hopes will be high that those issues will be cleared up over the coming months, with the player nailed on for inclusion in March if he is available.
Finn Azaz (Aston Villa - soon to be Middlesbrough)
Finn Azaz looks like another player that is all but certain to make his Ireland debut in the months ahead.
A creative midfielder, he has made serious strides in his development over the last couple of years. He scored eight goals and recorded ten assists in League One as he helped Pymouth Argyle to the title last season and has stepped up his game once again in this campaign. He already has seven goals and five assists to his name in the Championship.
The 23-year old has been so impressive that he has drawn a huge amount of interest from other clubs, with Aston Villa set to recall him and sell him to Middlesbrough for a fee of around £2million.
He is the type of creative presence in midfield that Ireland have not had many of down through the years and would be a good addition to the squad. He was capped once by Ireland at U21 level back in 2022.
Kasey McAteer (Leicester City)
Kasey McAteer's Republic of Ireland switch has not yet officially been confirmed, but you can expect the Leicester City winger to immediately be drafted into the squad once it comes through. Stephen Kenny said back in October that a Championship winger was in the process of committing to Ireland, with it soon being revealed that McAteer was the player in question.
He would be a brilliant addition. The 22-year old has been massively impressive in the Championship this season, even if he has struggled with injuries.
Considering Ireland's lack of wingers, there is every chance he will be thrown straight into the starting XI by the new manager once his eligibility is sorted. He could be the most exciting recruit we have made in quite some time.
Jake O'Brien (Lyon)
Having sealed a surprise move to Lyon during the summer, not many would have expected Jake O'Brien to make such an impact at the club.
While results have been poor, the Cork native has become an increasingly important part of their team. He was named as their player of the month in December as Lyon moved out of the relegation zone.
Ireland have plenty of options at centre back, but O'Brien will certainly come into the reckoning if he continues his current run of form. You would certainly expect him to be part of the squad at some point in 2024.
Marcus Harness (Ipswich Town)
Marcus Harness linked up with the Republic of Ireland squad as far back 2020, but he never made an appearance. His form has fluctuated at times since then, although he is now in one of the better periods of his career.
Having been promoted to the Championship with Ipswich Town last season, he has played a part in the club's success this season. With the team currently sitting second in the league, he has appeared in all but two of their fixtures this season, albeit largely off the bench.
At 27-years old, he is probably the least likely out of all the players on this list to make his Ireland debut in 2024. In saying that, it would be surprise if he were not to be called off if he is a Premier League player by the time the UEFA Nations League campaign rolls around in September. As a wide player, he also plays in a position where Ireland are not exactly blessed with a lot of other options.
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