Heimir Hallgrimsson assessing options with World Cup qualifying campaing in mind

It was a case of out with the old and in with the new as Heimir Hallgrimsson named his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League double header.

The national team are heading on a whistle-stop tour of the European periphery as they travel first to Finland before heading south to renew rivalries with Greece.

And while it is only the second squad that the new manager has named, Hallgrimsson appears to be putting his mark on the side as he rang the changes following the double defeat to England and Greece in September.

With Seamus Coleman already ruled out through injury, there was no place for the experienced trio of Wolves defender Matt Doherty, Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne or Cardiff City forward Callum Robinson.

Luton Town centre-half Mark McGuinness comes into the 24-man unit, while ball-playing midfielder Jack Taylor from Ipswich is also included. Finn Azaz has also been rewarded for his club form with Hallgrimsson stating that the Middlesbrough man has been "impressive" in his midfield role in recent weeks.

In what was a refreshing change from the norm, the manager began today's press conference in Abbotstown with a squad update where he offered reasons for those who have been included as well as honestly addressing the players who were not included.

"Starting with players that were maybe not in the squad in the last camp, starting with Festy, who came in at a day's notice. It was good to have him in," said Hallgrimsson.

"And then Mikey Johnston has been struggling with an orbital bone fracture, so he's come back, getting his minutes now. We're happy to have him back.

"The same with Josh Cullen, back in the squad after a hamstring injury. I think he has played two, three matches, so he's up and running. Jamie McGrath as