Ireland's national team might bring up three players, and they could also discard three players

The Ireland manager will have one final chance to adjust his starting lineup before the inaugural Euro 2024 qualifier versus France in March. While some players have recently pushed themselves into consideration, others may lose their spot on the team.

-Potential three that could get the greenlight:-

1. Will Smallbone - Stoke City (on loan from Southampton), was never summoned at senior level.

Smallbone was "in the conversation" for a maiden senior call up, Kenny said last month. During the U-21s' unprecedented Euro 2023 qualification journey, the 22-year-old player distinguished out. The midfielder helped Jim Crawford's team get to the first play-off with three goals and an assist, but it ended in an agonizing loss in Israel's penalty shootout.

Smallbone, who underwent ACL surgery in 2020, has made 17 appearances for Stoke this season. In their victory over Preston North End last month, he scored his first goal for the team. "Will is likeable in all respects. Alex Neil, the manager of Stoke, remarked last month, "He charges, he can distribute, and he's a good boy, exceptionally good.

2. Ryan Manning,(Swansea City player), last appeared against Lithuania in March 2022.

Despite being left off the September roster, Manning has put himself back into the mix with his recent performance for the Swans. The native of Galway has contributed two assists and three goals so far this season, including a spectacular long-range goal over Wigan last Saturday.

Manning is a solid backup option at left wing back and will aim for his first minutes since last March even when James McClean is close to reaching 100 caps for Ireland.

3. Joe Hodge (Wolves) never received a senior level call-up.

Hodge excelled for Crawford's team this year, much like Smallbone did. The 20-year-old started the return match in Tel Aviv after earning his maiden U-21 cap during the first leg of the playoffs.

JUST IN: Ronaldo wants Man United to raid former club and sign £85m rated Juventus superstar.

Manchester United must adapt as Paul Pogba's raw honesty demonstrates.

Hodge has also definitely grabbed the attention of Wolves. Prior to making two more Premier League outings, the midfielder made his league debut against Chelsea last month and didn't seem out of place. Hodge, who has led Wolves' U-21 team this season, will try to win over new manager Julen Lopetegui, who assumes control on Monday.

Hodge has put himself in the running for a maiden senior call up even though Kenny has stated that Hodge will be a key player for the U-21s in the upcoming season.

-possible three that could be dropped from the squad:-

1. Jeff Hendrick, (Reading FC player, on loan from Newcastle), last played against Armenia in September 2022.

The 74-cap midfielder joined to Reading in July of last year in the hopes of regaining his form after a disastrous loan stint at QPR. It has been quite some time since the Dubliner made an impression on the international stage, despite the fact that he has started 19 straight Championship matches this season with one goal and zero assists.

The 30-year-old has fluctuated in and out of Kenny's starting lineups this season despite being a staple in midfield under Martin O'Neill and Mick McCarthy. Hendrick has only been given one start in Ireland's last four games and could be benched in favor of players like Hodge or Smallbone.

2. Conor Hourihane (Derby country) last played against Armenia in September 2022.

The native of Cork scored twice as Derby thrashed Port Vale in September of last year, but he hasn't scored or provided an assist since. The 35-cap midfielder has forfeited recent games to illness and suspensions, and his performance at the international level has also deteriorated.

Under Kenny, Hourihane has recently had trouble getting playing time and has only started one of Ireland's last 10 games. In September, he made his final Irish appearance as a substitute and committed a terrible passing blunder that resulted in Armenia's equalizer.

That evening in the Nations League, Robbie Brady's late goal kept Ireland from being demoted, and Kenny might choose a different midfielder this time.

3. Max O'Leary (Bristol city) last called up in September 2022.

When Liverpool's Caoimhn Kelleher returns from injury, the goalie might be benched. O'Leary has been in the last three Irish squads and started seven Championship games for Bristol, but with Kelleher, Gavin Bazunu, and Mark Travers all available and healthy, the 26-year-old may be unnecessary this time around.

Please comment below your opinion on this article