Heimir Hallgrímsson has included three uncapped players in the Republic of Ireland squad for their UEFA Nations League relegation play-off against Bulgaria.

Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne and Watford duo James Abankwah and Rocco Vata have been named in the squad and could make their international debuts in the first leg next Thursday in Plovdiv or the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium the following Sunday.

Vata has impressed since moving from Celtic to the English Championship, with the 19-year-old also attracting interest from Albania, the country of his father, Rudi Vata.

His father, a former Albania international with 59 caps between 1990 and 2001, has ties to multiple nations. The younger Vata qualifies for Ireland through his Howth-born grandmother but is also eligible to represent Scotland and Montenegro. However, he has been part of Ireland’s youth setup since the under-15 level.

Meanwhile, Sinclair Armstrong retains his place in the squad and is in line to earn his second cap after impressing at Bristol City this season.

Injury Concerns and Notable Omissions

Tom Cannon, Liam Scales, and Andrew Omobamidele were not considered for selection due to injury, while Chiedozie Ogbene, Festy Ebosele, and Sammie Szmodics are also sidelined.

Former Ireland captain Séamus Coleman is on standby, with Hallgrímsson opting to reward the strong performances of Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Jake O’Brien (Everton) at right-back.

Shamrock Rovers wing-back Josh Honohan has also been placed on standby, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu returns to the squad after recovering from Achilles surgery.

Nathan Collins is expected to continue as Ireland’s captain.

Republic of Ireland Squad – UEFA Nations League Play-offs

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liège, on loan from Southampton).

Defenders: Jake O’Brien (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough).

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (West Ham United, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).