Seven new faces named in Republic of Ireland squad

Seven new faces named in Republic of Ireland squadBenfica's Jaden Umeh has been named in the Republic of Ireland's senior squad for the first time

Benfica attacker Jaden Umeh is one of seven players included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time for May's friendly against Grenada.

The 18-year-old has been released by the Portuguese club to take part in the training camp, his first time in the senior squad, and is one of nine uncapped players named by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

With the English Football League (EFL) regular season over, Hallgrimsson's 21-man squad is mainly made up of players who ply their trade in the Championship or League One.

Those involved in the EFL play-offs or based in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, League of Ireland or other major leagues will be available for the games against Qatar and Canada later in the month.

"He's a high potential player and it will be exciting to work with him and see where his limit is," Hallgrimsson said of Umeh at Tuesday's news conference.

"From what we have seen with the youth teams and the clips from Benfica, he is one for the future. Is he ready for the first team? We'll just have to wait and see."

Umeh's release ensures he is eligible for this camp and will be joined by further newcomers in goalkeeper Killian Cahill, defenders Eiran Cashin, Tayo Adaramola and Joel Bagan, midfielder Jack Moylan and forward Aidomo Emakhu.

Dara O'Shea, Jayson Molumby, Adam Idah and Jason Knight provide experience, while Kasey McAteer, Tom Cannon and Mark McGuinness return.

Hallgrimsson confirmed one more player will be added to this squad and it excited to assess how those new faces bed in before he makes changes for the games later in May.

"They are names we have been looking at so it's a great opportunity for us to see them, and for them to show what they can do."

Republic of Ireland take on Grenada at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia on 16 May at 17:00 BST.

The 18-year-old from Mahon in Cork began his career with Cork City in the League Ireland, making his debut in November 2023 aged just 15, making him the youngest ever player to make a senior appearance for the club.

Umeh also became Cork City's youngest goalscorer when he netted against Wexford FC, aged 16 years and 14 days.

He went on to make 15 appearances for the club before joining Portuguese club Benfica in July 2025, where he is currently a member of the U23 squad.

Umeh has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 level. He was named in the squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar where his performances earned him a call to join the U21 squad.

Now he will get to experience the senior set-up for the first time.

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)

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