Will Ferry earns his first Republic of Ireland call-up
In a notable development for the Republic of Ireland, Dundee United defender Will Ferry has received his first senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad. Ferry, who has previously represented Ireland at Under-19 and U21 levels, has progressed impressively since leaving Cheltenham Town for the Scottish Premiership last season. He even captained the team this year during a spell without regular captain Ross Cooney, showcasing leadership qualities that have earned him a first-team nod at senior level.
Ferry’s rise has been a storyline of steady development, particularly shining through as his club helped secure European football last season. Though United fell just short of the UEFA Conference League group stage after a dramatic shoot-out defeat to Rapid Vienna, Ferry played a pivotal role. He converted his kick in the shoot-out and provided the assist for Max Watters’ opener in the tie, underscoring his ability to perform on the big stage.
Impact on the squad and the injury situation
The Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be without Sammie Szmodics and Callum O’Dowda, as both players were sidelined by injuries in recent weeks. Szmodics was withdrawn late in Ipswich Town’s clash with Norwich City, while O’Dowda’s return to the squad has been affected by an injury setback suffered during Ferencváros’ Europa League tie with Genk. O’Dowda subsequently missed their league fixture against Paksi, delaying his international involvement as Heimir Hallgrímsson maps out his plans for the window.
Szmodics, meanwhile, was replaced late on as Ipswich secured a win in a tense East Anglian derby, a result that adds to the drama surrounding this Ireland squad’s build-up to the fixtures.
What’s ahead for Ireland
The Irish team opens the window by hosting Portugal in Dublin on Saturday, 11 October, before welcoming Armenia three days later on 14 October. The scheduling, with a crowded calendar and the injuries to Szmodics and O’Dowda, has prompted a recall of experienced figures like Troy Parrott, Seamus Coleman, and John Egan as part of a flexible squad. The management team has signaled a pragmatic approach, balancing fresh selection with proven performers to navigate a challenging qualification path.
Ferry’s inclusion is part of a broader strategy to broaden Ireland’s pool of capable options and build depth at the back and in midfield. The 23-man squad for these qualifiers will be announced closer to kick-off, but Ferry’s call marks a positive signal about the national team’s future directions. Ireland’s Under-21s are also set to play Slovakia, with the U21s contesting their own European Championship qualifiers on Friday evening, providing additional momentum and opportunities for prospective senior players to push their case.
What fans should watch for
- Ferry’s readiness and adaptability at senior international level after a successful club season in Scotland.
- How Ireland adjusts in defense and midfield given the injury absences and a tight match schedule.
- The potential impact of recalled veterans alongside emerging talents as Ireland aims to strengthen its bid for European qualification.
Irish fans will be keeping an eye on the unfolding squad selections and the performances in the coming fixtures, as the nation looks to secure crucial results in a difficult qualifying campaign. For those wanting to catch updates, the Republic of Ireland Under-21s versus Slovakia Under-21s in the European Championship qualifiers will be shown on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player this Friday from 7pm.
