Blog

The Republic of Ireland take on Latvia in a friendly on Monday 22 March ahead of their first Euro 2024 qualifying clash with world runners-up France five days later; Mikey Johnston qualifies for Ireland through his Derry-born grandfather

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time since his switch of allegiance from Scotland was confirmed.

The 23-year-old Glasgow player, who qualifies for Ireland via his Derry-born grandfather, has been included in a 26-man squad for the friendly against Latvia on Monday 22 March and the opening qualifying clash of the Euro 2024 with the runners-up of the World Cup. France five days later.

Johnston, who is currently on loan at Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes, has represented Scotland at under-21 level but has opted to play his senior football for the Republic following talks with manager Stephen Kenny.

He made his Celtic debut aged 18 under Brendan Rodgers in 2017 and won the Scottish Premiership three times, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups, though a serious knee injury cost him almost a year of his career. career. he fledgling career and has struggled to re-establish himself on the side of Ange Postecoglou.

There are returns to Team Ireland for the double header in Dublin for Norwich duo Andrew Omobamidele and Adam Idah after injury.

The pair have not tasted international action since a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win in Luxembourg in November 2021.

Derby midfielder Jason Knight is included after missing November friendlies against Norway and Malta, as is Wigan striker Will Keane.

Equipment: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers, (Bournemouth), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Atletico Madrid), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich), Nathan Collins (Wolves), John Egan (Sheffield United) ), Dara O’Shea (West Brom), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff), James McClean (Wigan), Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Brom), Jeff Hendrick (Reading, on loan from Newcastle), Alan Browne (Preston), Jason Knight (Derby), Will Smallbone (Stoke, on loan from Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Dundee United, on loan from Wigan), Mark Sykes (Bristol City, Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham), Michael Obafemi (Burnley, on loan from Swansea), Evan Ferguson (Brighton), Adam Idah (Norwich), Troy Parrott (Preston, on loan from Tottenham), Will Keane (Wigan), Mikey Johnston (Vitoria Guimaraes, on loan from Celtic).

Republic of Ireland Calendar

Republic of Ireland v France – March 27, 2023

Greece v Republic of Ireland – June 16, 2023

Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar – June 19, 2023

France v Republic of Ireland – September 7, 2023

Republic of Ireland v Netherlands – September 10, 2023

Republic of Ireland v Greece – October 13, 2023

Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland – October 16, 2023

Netherlands v Republic of Ireland – November 18, 2023

Qualifying groups for Euro 2024

Group A: Spain, ScotlandNorway, Georgia, Cyprus.

B Group: Netherlands, France, Republic of IrelandGreece, Gibraltar.

Group C: Italy, EnglandUkraine, North Macedonia, Malta.

Group D: Croatia, WelshArmenia, Turkey, Latvia.

Group E: Poland, Czech Republic, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova.

Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia.

Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania.

Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, North IrelandSan Marino.

Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kosovo, Belarus, Andorra.

Group J: Portugal, Bosnia, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Liechtenstein.