Hatters defender earns a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad

Luton centre half Mark McGuinness has earned his first call up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for their upcoming Nations League matches.

The recent addition to the Town ranks for a club record undisclosed fee from Cardiff City, had originally featured twice for the England U15s, but then switched his allegiances to Ireland as he qualified through his father. McGuinness played 10 times for the Ireland U19s, netting twice during his time at Arsenal, before making 13 appearances for the U21s, with one goal, that on his debut in the 2-1 victory over Luxembourg in November 2020.

His last outing came in a 4-1 Euro U21 Championship qualifier defeat to Italy U21s in June 2022, as he remained with the Bluebirds until heading to Kenilworth Road in August, and has played six times for the Hatters. With Ireland now managed by former Jamaica head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson, the Icelander has also recalled Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Aziz, plus Ipswich Town midfielder Jack Taylor, Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath and West Bromwich Albion winger Mikey Johnston.

Ireland, who have also selected ex-Luton winger Chiedozie Ogbene after his move to Premier League side Ipswich Town during the transfer window, take on Finland at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki on Thursday, October 10 at 7.45pm, before a trip to Athens to face Greece at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday, October 13, kick-off at 7.45pm.

Full squad – Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City). Defenders: Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen). Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).