Abankwah receives first senior call-up
James Abankwah has been called up to the senior Irish squad for the first time Photo: ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Waterford born defender, James Abankwah has been named in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Republic of Ireland squad for the first time, ahead of the boys in green’s UEFA Nations League play-off against Bulgaria. Ireland will face their opponents in a two-legged affair later this month, with the loser playing UEFA Nations League C football and the winner playing Nations League B football, in 2026.
Abankwah is currently on loan with Watford FC in the EFL Championship, from Serie A side, Udinese.
Speaking on Abankwah’s inclusion in the Ireland squad, Hallgrímsson said he had been impressed by the defender in recent weeks.
“He’s an exciting player. He’s been playing really well for Watford. He’s been man of the match in a few games. He’s really impressed us.” The former St. Patrick’s Athletic defender was born in the Deise County, before his family moved to county Donegal, where he began his football career with Letterkenny Rovers.
Last January, Abankwah joined Watford FC on loan, for the remainder of this season. Two days after joining the Hornets, the former Melview FC player made his debut against Derby County in a 2-0 victory. The 21-year-old has made 11 league appearances so far for Watford this season since his arrival and has impressed many of the club’s fans.
Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liége, on loan from Southampton).
Jake O'Brien (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough)
Evan Ferguson (West Ham United, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).
Fixtures - UEFA Nations League Play-off
20 March - Bulgaria v Ireland, Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv, 7.45pm (Irish Time)
23f March - Ireland v Bulgaria, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 7.45pm
