Ireland will kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday evening, with a trip to Pristina to take on Kosovo likely to provide a stern test in their opening fixture.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side could boost their Euro 2028 qualification hopes with a good display in this competition, meaning we are likely to see strong teams named in each of the six fixtures.
With that in mind, here is the Ireland team we would like to see start against Kosovo.
The Ireland team we want vs Kosovo
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
Perhaps the most straightforward selection in the team, Caoimhín Kelleher will need to have yet another big campaign if Ireland are to hold ambitions of winning this group.
The Cork man has started the season in fine form at Brentford and will be key to his international’s teams hopes over the coming weeks.
CB: Jake O’Brien
Jake O’Brien’s lack of minutes at Everton is a concern, but it is difficult to leave him out after his performances for Ireland over the last months.
The 25-year old is likely to continue in the side as part of the back three. However, he could also be an option at right wingback if Heimir Hallgrimsson goes down that route.
CB: John Egan
With captain Nathan Collins ruled out due to injury, John Egan seems like the obvious man to step into the heart of the defence.
Egan has been in sensational form for Hull City since their return to the Premier League. His recent displays would have brought him under consideration for a start in any case, but Collins’ absence makes his selection somewhat of a no-brainer.
CB: Dara O’Shea
Dara O’Shea is likely to round out the back three in Kosovo, with the Ipswich Town man having performed well during the early stages of the Premier League season.
Along with O’Brien and Egan, that trio should give Ireland a good base to build on from the back.
RWB: James Abankwah
Right wingback is something of a problem position for Ireland in this window. Seamus Coleman was ruled out due to a lack of match fitness, while Matt Doherty and Festy Ebosele were also not selected.
Jason Knight could be an option, although that would leave the team even lighter in midfield. James Abankwah could be the solution, even if it is not his natural position.
The Udinese man has played at fullback on a number of occasions during his career, most recently when on loan at Watford last season. He has been in excellent form this season and is deserving of a first competitive cap.
CM: Jason Knight
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With Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Will Smallbone, and Bosun Lawal all unavailable, Jason Knight is likely to start for Ireland in the centre of midfield on Thursday.
He has played every minute of Bristol City’s Championship campaign up to this point and comes into this window in good form.
CM: Jayson Molumby
Jayson Molumby should add some much needed steel to the middle third in Pristina.
He performed well for Ireland in the World Cup qualifying campaign and will play an important role over the next four games.
LWB: Ryan Manning
Left wingback is another problem position for Ireland, with Ryan Manning having produced some mixed displays in that position over the last 12 months or so.
Cardiff City’s Joel Bagan has been called into the squad for the first time, although it seems unlikely that he will be drafted straight into the starting XI.
Liam Scales is another option, although starting five natural centre backs might stifle the team’s creativity somewhat. Manning should also bring some added quality from set-pieces.
FW: Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene has not played a huge amount of club football so far this season, but he remains an important player for Ireland.
His ability to get the team moving up the pitch will be important in Kosovo, with Ogbene one of the few players with genuine pace in the team.
FW: Finn Azaz
Finn Azaz has played well for Ireland at times, but it has also been difficult to nail down his best position in the team. He has moved between left midfield, no.10, and a deeper midfield role during his international career.
He is likely to play just behind the striker in this game, although that role will also him move out wide at times.
ST: Troy Parrott
There is no doubt about the man that will start up front, with Troy Parrott coming into this window in brilliant form after his fine start to life as a Real Betis player.
The Dubliner should also be fairly fresh, with Betis managing his minutes carefully over the last couple of weeks. Considering the lack of goals in this side, Parrott should take on an even more prominent role in the side over the course of this campaign.
The Team In Full
This is a fairly experienced Ireland side, with James Abankwah the only man in the starting XI without a good track record at international level.
We could see some other new faces involved, with Owen Elding, Rocco Vata, and Jack Moylan likely to come under consideration for their first competitive starts.