Seven new faces named in Republic of Ireland squad
Benfica attacker Jaden Umeh is one of seven new faces named by Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson for the upcoming training camp and friendly against Granada in Spain.
Benfica's Jaden Umeh is called into the Republic of Ireland's senior squad for the first time [Getty Images] Benfica attacker Jaden Umeh is one of seven new faces called up by Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson for the upcoming training camp and friendly against Granada on Saturday, 16 May in Spain. The 18-year-old has been released by the Portuguese club to take part in the training camp which is his first step up to the international squad. With the English Football League (EFL) regular season over, Halgrimsson's 21-man squad is mainly made up of players who ply their trade in the Championship or League One, with those involved in the EFL play-offs or based in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, League of Ireland or other major leagues available for the games against Qatar and Canada later in the month.
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 experiencem while there is a return for Kasey McAteer, Tom Cannon and Mark McGuinness. Republic of Ireland take on Grenada at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia on 16 May at 17:00 BST.
Who is Jaden Umeh? The 18-year-old from Mahon in Cork began his career with Cork City in the League Ireland, making his debut in November 2023 despite being just 15 years of age, making his the youngest player to play for the club. He would set another record as the youngest goalscorer for Cork City when netting against Wexford FC when aged 16 years and 14 days, going 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, named in the squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar with his performances earning him a call to join the U21 squad and is now part of the senior set-up for the first time. Republic of Ireland squad 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).