Soccer

Andrew Moran called up to the Ireland squad with injury doubts over four Irish players

Evan Ferguson, Will Smallbone, Chiedozie Ogbene and Jamie McGrath all doubts for Netherlands and New Zealand games

Andrew Moran with Armstrong Oko-Flex. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Andrew Moran with Armstrong Oko-Flex. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Gavin Cummiskey
Tue Nov 14 2023 - 12:55

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Andy Moran has been promoted from the Republic of Ireland under-21s as senior manager Stephen Kenny awaits scan results on injured quartet Evan Ferguson, Will Smallbone, Chiedozie Ogbene and Jamie McGrath.

Moran is expected to win his first cap against the Netherlands in Amsterdam this Saturday or against New Zealand the following Tuesday at the Aviva stadium.

The 20-year-old has impressed for Blackburn this season, playing 12 games in the Championship with three assists. In the EFL Cup, he scored twice with three assists.

Smallbone has remained at Southampton for treatment, which prompted Kenny to call on Moran despite Jim Crawford’s 21s facing Norway and Italy in European Championship qualifiers next week.

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The 20-year-old was previously in the squad for the under-21s and it is a blow for Jim Crawford’s team to lose their vice-captain and star player ahead of important Uefa Euro under 21 qualifiers against Norway and Italy.

St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Adam Murphy replaces Moran in the under-21s squad with Dundalk’s Senan Mullen moving up from the Ireland under-19s.

Republic of Ireland Squad - Netherlands & New Zealand Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth). Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Liam Scales (Celtic), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Burnley), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest). Midfielders: Andy Moran (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Mark Sykes (Bristol City). Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Mikey Johnston (Celtic), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).

Fixtures - November 18/11 - Netherlands v Republic of Ireland, Amsterdam Arena, 7.45pm (8.45pm local time) 21/11 - Republic of Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent