Heimir Hallgrimsson makes Matt Doherty decision, but Seamus Coleman scare could leave door open

Matt Doherty remains frozen out of the Ireland squad after being overlooked again by Heimir Hallgrimsson.

But while skipper Seamus Coleman has been named in Ireland's 23-man selection to play Finland and England, it emerged later this afternoon that he could miss the games with a hamstring issue - and that may leave the door open for Doherty to return.

The Wolves defender was dropped for last month’s games away to Finland and Greece - but later said he was confident of returning for this month’s double-header.

Hallgrimsson today revealed his squad for next Thursday’s home game against Finland and Sunday week’s clash away to England - and Doherty isn’t in it, although news of Coleman's injury only emerged after that squad announcement and the manager will keep tabs on the situation.

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Quizzed earlier about Doherty, Hallgrimsson had said: "We want to explore other players in that position. We know exactly what he can so.

"He and Seamus have been kind of stuck in the starting XI for Ireland for a long time, they have done really well for the nation. We know exactly what he can give us, so we don't need to see him or test him."

But asked if Doherty would play for Ireland again, Hallgrimsson said: "I hope so".

Norwich City centre-back Shane Duffy has been handed a recall, while Stoke City striker Tom Cannon also returns after scoring three goals in his last three games. His Potters team-mate Andy Moran - on loan from Brighton - steps up from the Under-21s.

Chiedozie Ogbene, Robbie Brady, Will Smallbone, Jack Taylor, Andrew Omobamidele, Jamie McGrath and Gavin Bazunu all miss out through injury while Alan Browne and Jake O’Brien are not selected.

Hallgrimsson said: "Chieo will be out for about eight, nine months and we of course send him all our best. He's just had an operation on his Achilles and now let's see and hope that his recovery will be a successful one.

“Robbie has an ankle injury and will be out for eight weeks. He's probably been one of our consistent players since I came. He will be sadly missed and the same for Jack Taylor, with a hamstring injury."

Hallgrimsson continued: "Jamie McGrath needs a vascular operation and Andrew Omobamidele has had some issues with his patella and been struggling getting game-time."

Southampton's Ryan Manning has again been overlooked despite four Premier League appearances, with Hallgrimsson added: "Callum O'Dowda comes in again. He's been playing really well for Cardiff."

Republic of Ireland Squad - Finland & England

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).

Fixtures

November 14: Ireland v Finland, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm

November 17: England v Ireland, Wembley Stadium, 5.00pm

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