Ireland turn to a rising defender as World Cup qualifying begins
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson has handed a hopeful future to Dundee United’s Will Ferry, summoning the 21-year-old to the senior squad for the first time. Ferry, who has worn Ireland colours at Under-19 and U21 levels, has stood out since moving from Cheltenham Town to Scotland’s Premiership last season. His leadership on the field was clear this year as he captained United in the absence of Ross Graham, who required hamstring surgery. The call-up signals Ireland’s willingness to broaden its pool of defensive options ahead of crucial qualifiers against Portugal and Armenia.
Impact of Ferry’s club form and leadership on international prospects
Ferry’s trajectory mirrors a broader strategy by the Ireland setup to integrate players who have proven themselves in competitive leagues abroad. His influence helped Dundee United clinch European football last season, a benchmark for the club after a dramatic heart-stopper in the UEFA Conference League play-offs. Ferry himself converted a penalty in the decisive shoot-out against Rapid Vienna, after delivering the assist for Max Watters’ opener. Such composure and competition-tested temperament provide Hallgrímsson with a credible option in central defense and versatility across the backline.
Why Szmodics and O’Dowda are out for the window
In contrast, the Ireland camp faces a setback with Sammie Szmodics and Callum O’Dowda unavailable for the upcoming fixtures. Szmodics was replaced late on as Ipswich Town beat Norwich City in a tightly contested Championship clash, while O’Dowda’s status carried further concern after he came off injured in Ferencvaros’ Europa League win over Genk. The Hungarian champions would have been eyeing a steady return for the winger, but the injury scuppers those plans just as Ireland prepare to face Portugal in their opening game and Armenia three days later in Dublin.
Squad adjustments and the road ahead
The upcoming window will feature a 23-man squad reduction for the Portugal and Armenia fixtures, a move designed to balance preparation with player workload. Ireland have recalled familiar faces in addition to integrating new names, a strategy that keeps a blend of experience and youth in the mix. Notable recalled players include Troy Parrott, Seamus Coleman and John Egan, all of whom bring different dimensions to the team’s defensive and attacking options.
What the fixtures mean for Ireland
Hosting Portugal on the opening match of the window, followed by a Dublin showdown with Armenia, represents a critical test for Ireland’s ambitions in the qualifying campaign. The results could shape the trajectory of Hallgrímsson’s long-term plans as he balances a tight schedule with the need to maintain cohesion across clubs and the national team. For Ferry, the call marks a significant milestone and a potential stepping stone to regular involvement at the senior level if he can translate club form into international impact.
Where to watch and what to watch for
The Ireland Under-21s versus Slovakia Under-21s match, scheduled for Friday at 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, offers supporters a chance to glimpse the pipeline feeding the senior team. It will also provide context on how the next generation is progressing, including Ferry’s continued development at Dundee United and how his international exposure could influence his leadership on the domestic stage.
In the coming days, fans will be watching how Ireland adapt to the absence of Szmodics and O’Dowda and whether Will Ferry’s inclusion signals a shift toward a more dynamic, defensively solid setup for the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
