Contrasting Celtic duo get Ireland international call up
Soccer Football - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v Latvia - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - March 22, 2023 Republic of Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
Liam Scales and Mikey Johnston have been included in the Ireland squad for the European Campionship qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar.
After losing 2-1 at home to Holland last month qualification hopes for Germany next summer are over with major doubts over whether Stephen Kenny will remain in charge for a fourth qualifying campaign.
Being drawn alongside France and Holland was always going to be a difficult task but three points from five matches is below expectations.
SQUAD ANNOUNCED | 24-man squad selected ??@CelticFC duo Mikey Johnston & Liam Scales return to the squad as well as Callum Robinson & Mark Sykes
Young, exciting squad for two crucial games ?
13/10 | ????? – 7.45pm
16/10 | ????? – 7.45pm (Irish Time) pic.twitter.com/GRXq08QibB— Ireland Football ???? (@IrelandFootball) October 5, 2023
Scales hasn’t been involved at international level for over a year but returns with new found status on the back of an impressive run in the Celtic side that includes two Champions League appearances and a win at Ibrox.
Johnston is in a very different situation, without any sort of competitive action this season and hoping that some international appearances can advance his claims for a chance at Celtic.