JOHN O’SHEA has named his Ireland squad that will take on Belgium and Switzerland in friendlies this month.
Fans have given the interim boss a positive reaction to the announcement on social media with a few fresh faces getting included.
Sammie Szmodics looks set for his long-awaited debut with Jake O’Brien and Finn Azaz both earning their first call-ups.
The rest of the squad was pretty much named as expected but one forgotten star caught the eyes of Ireland fans.
Robbie Brady has made his return to the squad having not featured for the Boys in Green since November 2022.
Brady has 60 Ireland caps and will forever be remembered for his iconic winner against Italy at Euro 2016.
However, not all fans are too pleased with his addition to this latest squad – with many asking the question: ‘Where is Ryan Manning?’.
Manning has been a regular starter for promotion chasers Southampton this season, while Brady has been coming and going for Preston North End.
One fan wrote: “Brady over Manning is strange but no real complaints otherwise.”
Another commented: “Don’t see point in Brady, has been great for us yes, but not the future.”
A third added: “Brady over Manning…? Otherwise very good squad, pity not to see Armstrong or Moran but they’re a boost to the U21.”
Yet another said: “Brady should be retired, Manning the man.”
Multiple fans tweeted the iconic clip of Ian Wright meeting his old role model with the caption: “Robbie Brady.”
Other than Brady, there are returns to the squad for Callum O’Dowda and captain Seamus Coleman.
Coleman is recalled for the first time since the 1-0 defeat to France in March having suffered a knee injury which ruled him out of the rest of the 2023 campaign.
Republic of 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).