Stephen Kenny has named an exciting Republic of Ireland squad ahead of next month's four Nations League games. The Republic of Ireland face Armenia, Scotland and Ukraine twice over the space of 10 days, in what will be a great opportunity for this new era of Irish football to continue their recent rich vein of form.
Republic of Ireland squad named
Michael Obafemi returns to the Ireland camp after his impressive season with Swansea in the Championship. Obafemi scored 12 goals during Swansea's campaign, and his international future has been the source of much intrigue as he was omitted from Kenny's squad in March.
Blackpool winger CJ Hamilton has received his first call up after recently declaring to play for the Republic of Ireland.
19-year-old Enniscorthy man Festy Ebosele has also been included in the senior squad for the first time. Ebosele enjoyed a terrific breakthrough season in the Championship for Wayne Rooney's Derby County, and will join Udinese in Serie A next season.
𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘 𝗚𝗢 🇮🇪
27-man squad named for UEFA Nations League fixtures in June 👇
Michael Obafemi returns ✅
First senior call-ups for Festy Ebosele & CJ Hamilton 🙌
04/06 | 🆚🇦🇲
08/06 | 🆚🇺🇦
11/06 | 🆚🏴
14/06 | 🆚🇺🇦#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/Po8nHXhmP7— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) May 25, 2022
Cyrus Christie returns to the squad after being left out of Stephen Kenny's selection in March with Sheffield United's Enda Stevens also recalled.
Adam Idah, Andrew Omobamidele and Matt Doherty all miss out through injury.
When do the Republic of Ireland start their campaign?
The Boys in Green start their League B, Group 1 campaign away to Armenia on Saturday the 4th of June at 2pm.
The Republic of Ireland then face Ukraine at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday the 8th of June, with the game kicking off at 7:45pm.
The FAI announced earlier this month that 2,000 tickets for the game will be gifted to Ukrainian refugees. The governing body will also donate €100,000 to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
FAI president Gerry McAnaney said;
"This donation and the allocation of tickets to Ukrainian families now resident in Ireland will, we hope, consolidate our support for the Ukrainian people. I know the Irish people will welcome and support this initiative."
Stephen Kenny's side will then play Scotland at home on Saturday the 11th of June at 5pm, before playing their final game of the summer away to Ukraine on the 14th of June.
The away leg of the game against Ukraine will be played in the Polish city of Lodz.
Form Guide
The Republic of Ireland are undefeated since the heartbreaking loss to Portugal in the World Cup qualifying campaign last September.
Following the late defeat in Faro, Kenny's side ended their qualifying campaign with away wins over Azerbaijan and Luxembourg and draws at home against Serbia, Azerbaijan and Portugal.
The Ireland boss put pen to paper on a new contract in March, extending his stay as manager until 2024.
Following the renewal of Kenny's contract, Ireland held then world number one side Belgium to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Aviva thanks to strikes from Chiedozie Ogbene and Alan Browne.
In the Republic of Ireland's last outing, a 97th minute screamer from Troy Parrott sealed a 1-0 win over Lithuania.
See Also: Chiezdozie Ogbene Non-Committal On Rotherham Future Amid Championship Interest
