Coleman to take on hybrid role as Heimir names squad
Séamus Coleman will be involved with the Republic of Ireland squad in a hybrid role for this month's UEFA Nations League fixtures amid uncertainty over whether he will continue his playing career.
The Donegal man has been without a club since leaving Everton at the end of last season and was not involved in the last international window for his country.
In recent media appearances in the UK, the 38-year-old has admitted that he is mulling over his future and last week had suggested that he was "edging towards" potentially retiring.
On Thursday, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson did not include the full-back in his 24-man squad for the upcoming matches against Austria and Kosovo.
However, he confirmed to RTÉ soccer correspondent Tony O'Donoghue that Coleman would be involved in a hybrid capacity that will encompass training with the squad and a support role alongside the coaching staff.
Nathan Collins returns but the November window has come too soon for Josh Cullen
Captain Nathan Collins has returned after a calf issue had kept him out of the September/October window but midfielder Josh Cullen has been left out despite making a tentative recent return to club action for Burnley after almost a year out with a serious knee injury.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who had opted out of the two fixtures against Israel during the last window, is also absent but due to injury having missed the last two Championship matches with Bolton Wanderers. He is replaced by Everton's Mark Travers.
QPR's Harvey Vale also makes the squad again after his late injury-enforced withdrawal in September, but the in-form Owen Elding of Hibernian will instead link up with the under-21s for their crucial European Championship play-off against Finland.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Max O'Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Mark Travers (Everton)
Defenders: Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), John Egan (Hull City), Liam Kitching (Sheffield United), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Jake O'Brien (Everton), James Abankwah (Udinese), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Liam Scales (Celtic)
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Harvey Vale (QPR), Finn Azaz (Southampton)
Forwards: Troy Parrott (Real Betis), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Tom Cannon (Sheffield United), Jack Moylan (Cardiff City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Lincoln City), Rocco Vata (Watford).
Fixtures
Saturday, 14 November: Austria v Republic of Ireland, Raiffeisen Arena, 7.45pm
Tuesday, 17 November: Republic of Ireland v Kosovo, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
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