The Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has ruled out three players – Sammie Szmodics, Jack Taylor and Robbie Brady – from the international friendly against North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm). Szmodics was knocked unconscious by Czech defender Stepan Chaloupek in extra-time of the World Cup playoff last Thursday night, before Ireland lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout, with the 30-year-old hospitalised over night in Prague. “A late bloomer,” said Hallgrímsson of Alli, who played non-league football in England until signing for Exeter City in 2024. Get to know the players. ”But we’re professionals and you have to move on to the next game and the next game is really important for us as a group.

Source: The Irish Times March 30, 2026 15:04 UTC