Skip to content

Republic of Ireland squad: Richard Keogh, Shane Duffy out with Greg Cunningham, Darragh Lenihan in

Watch Georgia vs Republic of Ireland live on Sky Sports Football on October 12 from 1:30pm; kick-off 2pm.

Shane Duffy wheels away after his equaliser at Parken Stadium
Image: Shane Duffy misses out on selection for Ireland

Greg Cunningham and Darragh Lenihan have been called up for the Republic of Ireland's European Qualifiers against Georgia and Switzerland, coming in to replace the injured Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy.

Keogh faces up to 15 months on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage in a car crash that led to the arrest of his Derby team-mates Mason Bennett and Tom Lawrence.

His fellow centre-back Duffy misses out after he was forced off in the second half of Brighton's Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa after picking up a calf injury.

Sheffield United left-back Enda Stevens is suspended for the Group D match against Georgia in Tbilisi on October 12, meaning boss Mick McCarthy has only Everton right-back Seamus Coleman available from the back four that has started all five of the Republic's qualifiers so far.

John Egan and Kevin Long are expected to deputise for Duffy and Keogh in central defence but the 25-year-old Lenihan - already capped twice by the Republic - adds to McCarthy's options, while his Blackburn team-mate Cunningham will challenge Wolves' Matt Doherty for the left-back spot.

Darragh Lenihan has been called up for Ireland's qualifiers against Georgia and Switzerland
Image: Darragh Lenihan has been called up for the qualifiers against Georgia and Switzerland

"Terry Connor has been to watch Darragh and Greg play for Blackburn and they have shown him they will be good additions for this squad," McCarthy said.

"Enda Stevens is suspended for the game in Tbilisi against Georgia and Greg is one of the most experienced left-backs available to us. He was with us in the summer and he knows what we want.

Also See:

"We've watched Darragh a number of times and Terry and the other scouts like his footballing ability. He has been in and around the squad before so I look forward to working with him."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Republic of Ireland's international friendly match against Bulgaria

Lenihan got the call ahead of Ciaran Clark, who has played only once for Newcastle this season.

Stevens is in the squad and will be available for the match against Switzerland in Geneva on October 15.

Luton striker James Collins keeps his place after scoring on his debut last month, but Sheffield United's David McGoldrick misses out with a groin injury as Preston's Sean Maguire returns.

Live Euro 2020 Qualifiers

Jack Byrne, Josh Cullen, Mark Travers and Kieran O'Hara all keep their places in the squad after making their debuts last month, and McCarthy said he was grateful to have new options available given the number of players out.

"We have injuries and suspensions and I know that better than anyone. But there's nothing I can do about them. It happens in football," he said.

"That's why we changed almost the entire team for the Bulgaria game last month and look how well the players who came in like Josh, Alan Browne, John Egan and Kevin Long did.

"They put their hands up for selection and gave me something to think about.

"Now it's time to think about them for Georgia and I look forward to getting back on the training ground on Monday and starting the countdown to these two massive games in earnest."

There is still no place for midfielder James McCarthy, who has made six appearances for Crystal Palace this season after overcoming a series of injuries which have meant he has not played for the Republic since 2016.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Kieran O'Hara (Burton Albion, on loan from Manchester United)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Kevin Long (Burnley), John Egan (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Greg Cunningham (Blackburn Rovers), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Midfielders: Alan Browne (Preston North End), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic, on loan from West Ham United), Glenn Whelan (Heart of Midlothian), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers)

Forwards: James Collins (Luton Town), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Scott Hogan (Stoke City, on loan from Aston Villa)

ANOTHER Super 6 Winner
ANOTHER Super 6 Winner

FREE TO PLAY: Do not miss your chance to land the £250,000 jackpot on Tuesday, for the fifth time this year!

Around Sky