Post-international break ROI Radar

Welcome to ROI Radar, tracking the progress of all Irish football players across the world, following the October international break.

ROI Radar – Republic of Ireland post-international break update

Here you will find the latest updates for every Irish player at home and abroad. How they got on during the international break, who they have this weekend as domestic football returns and if there are any injuries or suspensions to report.

You can also read a general overview of how Ireland’s top players are doing around the world here.

Premier League Power Rankings – Best Irish Footballers on October International Duty

Caoimhín Kelleher – Brentford (GK)

Kelleher played 90 minutes in Brentford’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break and has had a mixed start to life in London.

However, he saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in Ireland’s late defeat to Portugal and then kept a clean sheet in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Armenia, which put the Republic’s World Cup qualifying hopes on life support.

The Bees travel to east London on Monday to take on West Ham, and two decent performances will give the Corkman a refreshed sense of confidence as he adapts back to domestic action.

Nathan Collins – Brentford (CB)

Collins had played 90 minutes in Brentford’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, making two clearances and two interceptions. Collins is the joint-most booked centre-back in the Premier League this season with three yellow cards.

He played the full 90 against Portugal and Armenia without picking up a booking in either game and will hope to keep that discipline going in Brentford’s game against West Ham.

Jake O’Brien – Everton (RB)

O’Brien has started all seven Everton league games so far this season. He has plenty to work on, though, currently ranking as the leading central defender in the top-flight for possession lost per game at 18.4.

He performed fairly well for Ireland in the two games over the international break, with an 83rd-minute yellow card against Armenia, after being one of Ireland’s best players in the Portugal defeat.

He’ll now hope to keep that form going when Everton head to Manchester City this weekend.

Seamus Coleman – Everton (RB)

Seamus Coleman made his return to the Ireland squad for the first time since September 2024 ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Armenia.

Coleman has made a handful of appearances for Everton this season, including a short cameo in injury time against Crystal Palace. He is largely serving as a leader and put his body on the line in both of Ireland’s games during the October break.

Just like his team-mate O’Brien, he’ll hope to help Everton take something home from Manchester if he features this Saturday.

Josh Cullen – Burnley (CM)

Burnley captain Josh Cullen featured the full 90 of Ireland’s defeat to Portugal, picking up a booking and missed the Armenia game through suspension as a result.

He will hope to continue to keep his good form for his club going, when Burnley take on Leeds United this weekend in what is already a massive game.

Championship Power Rankings – Best Irish Footballers of the international break

Dara O’Shea – Ipswich Town (CB)

Ipswich Town captain Dara O’Shea is a fan favourite at Portman Road and he played 90 minutes in his side’s 3-1 derby win over Norwich City.

O’Shea has consistently been one of the best Championship performers of the season, ranking first in accurate long balls per game (5.2).

He played 90 minutes for Ireland in the Portugal and Armenia games and saw his glancing header denied by an excellent save from the Armenian keeper and also dominated in the air at the back

Ryan Manning – Southampton (LB)

Ryan Manning impressed Ireland fans in last month’s international break, notably bagging an assist against Hungary and impressed for Ireland again this international break. The only downside is that he was booked on Tuesday night and is now suspended for the crucial home game against Portugal.

Against Armenia, he had Ireland’s only attempt in the first 45 minutes. But he became more prominent in the second chapter with a man advantage and his corners were threatening.

European Power Rankings – Best Irish Footballers of the October international break

Evan Ferguson – Roma (ST)

Evan Ferguson is struggling to adapt to life in Serie A following his loan move to Roma from Brighton.

He was underwhelming against Portugal but scored Ireland’s winner against Armenia with a classy header; that might help his confidence on his return to Italy.

Festy Ebosele – İstanbul Başakşehir (RWB)

https://twitter.com/IrelandFootball/status/1978201657830764635

The highlight of this edition of the ROI Radar, Festy Ebosele showed his incredible work rate against Portugal and Armenia and was even the Man of the Match on Tuesday night. He was Ireland’s only source of energy during the dire first period, and his unpredictability caused Armenia problems; it was a surprise he was subbed.

Ireland fans will hope for two more big performances to round off qualifying against Portugal and Hungary as they target a play-off spot.