Seamus Coleman and Evan Ferguson make Heimir Hallgrimsson's first Republic of Ireland squad as Kasey McAteer included

Evan Ferguson and Seamus Coleman have been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the Nations League openers against England and Greece, in a boost for head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Teenage striker Ferguson has been back in training since recovering from an ankle injury but was not in the Brighton squad for last weekend's win over Manchester United.

Everton defender Coleman (35), Ireland captain for the last eight years, returned to action in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday after recovering from a calf problem.

"Age for me is irrelevant. If you are good enough you will play. Who knows how long he can play for Ireland but at the moment he is looking sharp," said Hallgrimsson when asked by RTÉ Sport about the long-standing skipper's future.

New man in charge Hallgrimsson has also called up Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer after the 22-year-old completed his paperwork and received international clearance from FIFA.

John O'Shea told RTÉ Sport that the Leicester man is a "good attacking option".

Midfielder Josh Cullen misses his first Ireland squad in four years due to injury.

Cardiff City striker Callum Robinson, who scored in the South Wales derby at the weekend against Swansea City, has been included in the 23-man group, as has Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne.

Jayson Molumby receives his first call-up since November 2023 after his foot injury ruled him out of international action earlier this year, while new Ipswich Town signing Chiedozie Ogbene and Brentford's Nathan Collins, who were ruled out of the Hungary and Portugal matches through injury, also return to the squad.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from Achilles surgery and central defender John Egan is currently without a club