5 Dark horse call-ups we could see in this weeks Ireland squad
Later this week, Stephen Kenny will announce his Ireland squad for the games against Scotland and Armenia at the end of the month.
The Irish manager seems to have a very settled squad and it is unlikely fans will see any new faces as the Nation League campaign concludes. Robbie Brady is expected to return having finally found stability and a run of form with Preston but nonetheless, is still not guaranteed a selection.
The same could be said for Callum O’Dowda although the Cardiff winger has suffered an injury setback. Aaron Connolly is another who seems to be over his injury issues but could still miss out as will others struggling for game time such as Connor Ronan, James McCarthy and Zack Elbouzedi.
It is also expected that the vast bulk of Jim Crawford’s under-21 side remain with the younger age grade with their play-off ties with Israel coinciding with the senior games. This could also see the likes of Festy Ebosele and even Connolly drop down to bolster the options and chances of a first European Championship appearance.
We take a look at 5 players who could be included in Kenny’s Irish squad given their early form this season.
Mark Sykes (Bristol City)
Having been name checked by Kenny last Christmas, Mark Sykes was subsequently included in the Ireland squad for March’s fixtures against Belgium and Lithuania. The 25 year old did not feature in either game but is hitting some excellent form as a right wing-back at new club Bristol City who sit fourth in the Championship. Kenny may see Sykes as competition for Matt Doherty and Seamus Coleman having been forced to use Alan Browne as a makeshift wing-back.
Liam Scales (Aberdeen-On Loan from Celtic)
Another player to feature in Ireland squads but to remain uncapped, Liam Scales is shining so far this season with Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen. Having already kept 6 clean sheets, the former Shamrock Rovers player has been reverted back into his favoured position of centre-back having been used as a left-back at Parkhead. He is becoming tremendously calm and composed defender who would offer Stephen Kenny some balance being a left footer who could operate on the left of his back three.
Anthony Scully (Wigan Athletic)
Having already scored 3 and set up 2 in 8 games for Lincoln City this season, Anthony Scully is fresh from signing for Wigan Athletic in the Championship. Many feel that a step up a league would put him in Ireland contention and despite not featuring yet for the Lactics, the 23 year old could be included after scoring 15 goals and setting up 7 last season despite a season effected by injury. Scully can operate off the left and would certainly add additional firepower and creativity to the squad.
Marcus Harness (Ipswich)
Name checked by Kenny around the same time as Sykes but despite an appearance as a guest in the stands against Bulgaria nearly two years ago, Marcus Harness went off the Irish radar. Having recently joined Ipswich Town from Portsmouth, he has scored 5 goals in 9 matches with Kieran McKenna’s table toppers in League One. There is a mercurial element to Harness’s game and he would certainly offer a different attacking threat to Kenny should his scintillating form be rewarded.
Greg Cunningham (Preston North End)
Perhaps the most obscure name on this list having made his debut 12 years ago, but Greg Cunningham has been an important part of Prestons steady defence that only conceded for the first time this season last weekend. Now operating as a left sided centre-half, The 31 year-old may benefit from Enda Stevens’s injury woes. Cunningham was last seen around an Irish squad in March 2019 on the bench against Gibraltar but it seems unlikely he will be recalled.
Nick, The Green Machíne Podcast
