Seamus Coleman has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Kosovo, Israel, and Austria. The veteran defender has been without a club since parting ways with Everton at the close of the 2025-26 season, bringing an end to a 17-year association with the club after 433 appearances.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the decision at Thursday's squad announcement, stressing that Coleman's omission was largely the player's own choice. "It is my intention in whatever shape or form that he would be with us in the future, hopefully as a player," Hallgrimsson said. "His intention is to play, he's keeping fit but he hasn't been training with a club so we felt together, and it was more his decision, that it would be appropriate he sit out this one, mostly because he thought it was unfair to other players that he would be taking up a place."

The 37-year-old, who has earned 81 caps for the Republic of Ireland and previously served as captain, did feature in June's international friendlies. He has not, however, been named in the 26-man group for the four-match window.

Ireland's Nations League schedule

Republic of Ireland face Kosovo away on 24 September, before hosting Israel on 27 September and Austria on 1 October. The four-match window concludes with a second meeting against Israel in Group B3 on 4 October.

Injury and availability concerns

Hallgrimsson is without several key figures. Captain Nathan Collins is sidelined with a calf injury picked up during Brentford's 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland on 5 September, while Robbie Brady is also absent, likewise without a club at present.

Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (knee), Jack Taylor (knee), Mikey Johnston (ankle), Oisin McEntee, and QPR's Jimmy Dunne — who sustained a muscular injury earlier this month — were all ruled out through fitness concerns.

Fresh faces in the squad

The injury-hit call-up list has opened the door for new names. Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching, a left-sided centre-back on a season-long loan from Coventry City, earns his first international call-up. Uncapped Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Owen Elding of Sligo Rovers are also in contention for their senior debuts during the window.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Max O'Leary, Gavin Bazanu

Defenders: Dara O'Shea, Jake O'Brien, Liam Scales, John Egan, James Abankwah, Jimmy Dunne, Liam Kitching, Ryan Manning, Joel Bagan

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz, Bosun Lawal, Jamie McGrath, Harvey Vale, Conor Coventry

Forwards: Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Chiedozie Ogbene, Tom Cannon, Owen Elding, Jack Moylan, Rocco Vata