Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson names seven first-time senior squad players for May friendlies.
Benfica striker Jaden Umeh leads the way as seven uncapped players make their Republic of Ireland senior squad debuts for the May friendlies against Grenada. The 18-year-old has been released by Benfica to attend the training camp, marking his first appearance in the senior set-up. Among the nine uncapped players selected by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, Umeh joins a squad primarily composed of players from the Championship or League One. Those involved in EFL play-offs or based in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, League of Ireland, or other top leagues will instead be available for the later matches against Qatar and Canada.
The 21-man squad features a mix of returning and debuting players, with experienced heads like Dara O’Shea, Jayson Molumby, Adam Idah, and Jason Knight leading the lineup. Goalkeeper Killian Cahill, defenders Eiran Cashin, Tayo Adaramola, and Joel Bagan, midfielder Jack Moylan, and forward Aidomo Emakhu complete the newcomers. Kasey McAteer, Tom Cannon, and Mark McGuinness return after previous absences. The Republic of Ireland face Grenada at Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia on 16 May at 17:00 BST.
Born in Mahon, Cork, Jaden Umeh began his career with Cork City in the League of Ireland, making his senior debut in November 2023 at just 15 years old. He became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer shortly after, netting against Wexford FC at age 16 years and 14 days. Umeh made 15 appearances for Cork City before joining Benfica’s U23 squad in July 2025. His performances at the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad, paving the way for his first senior international call-up.
| Goalkeepers: | Max O’Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Josh Keeley (Luton Town), Killian Cahill (Leyton Orient). |
| Defenders: | Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Eiran Cashin (Blackburn Rovers - loan), James Abankwah (Watford), Mark McGuinness (Sheffield United), Tayo Adaramola (Sheffield Wednesday - loan), Joel Bagan (Cardiff City). |
| Midfielders: | Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Andrew Moran (Preston North End). |
| Forwards: | Adam Idah (Swansea City), Tom Cannon (Sheffield United), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United - loan), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Millenic Alli (Portsmouth), Jack Moylan (Lincoln City), Aidomo Emakhu (Oxford United), Jaden Umeh (Benfica). |