OTB Football

It’s a bonus episode of The Green Scene as Heimir Hallgrímsson names a 26-man Republic of Ireland squad for a huge four-game window: Kosovo away, two games against Israel, and Austria in Dublin.
Matthew Brennan, David Wilson and Ben Symes react to the big calls — no Seamus Coleman (still without a club) and captain Nathan Collins ruled out through injury — and what that means for leadership in camp and the shape of the team.
There’s also plenty on the surprise inclusions, with first senior call-ups for Liam Kitching, Joel Bagan and Owen Elding, plus the thinking behind Rocco Vata’s “match-winner” selection and the ongoing right wing-back headache.
And as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch?
You can do so by emailing thegreenscene@offtheball.com
Contact us on socials @offtheball across all our platforms.
Or if you want to contact us directly message the @offtheball.football account on Instagram.
And as ever, we are on WhatsApp on 087 9 180 180.
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join
The Green Scene on Off The Ball with Cadbury, a proud sponsor of the Republic of Ireland football teams.

Phil Egan is back with Thursday’s Football Daily, with Heimir Hallgrímsson naming his Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League window. There’s no Seamus Coleman (still without a club) and Nathan Collins misses out through injury, while Liam Kitching earns a first call-up and Joel Bagan and Owen Elding are included.
There’s also the latest from Manchester United after blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton, plus reaction from Michael Carrick and Fabian Hürzeler.
And we round up the Carabao Cup and Europa League stories, including Chelsea’s ownership change and key European previews.
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

A packed-house on Off The Ball Breakfast Enda Coll, David Wilson, Matthew Brennan & Dara Smith-Naughton kick things off with a proper post-mortem on Manchester United’s latest collapse - 2-0 up at Old Trafford, and somehow losing 3-2 to Brighton.
The lads dig into the Carrick heat, the tactical issues, and a ruthless look at Benjamin Šeško’s night, with Shea Lacey’s goal the one bright spot in a messy League Cup exit.

Then it’s onto the rest of the cup and European results, before switching focus to Ireland: the upcoming Nations League squad, the right-back headache, midfield options, and who could be the “rogue” call-up.

Plus, travel plans to Kosovo — and the off-field tensions fans should be aware of.
With Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join
Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Ben jumps back into the hot-seat this week while Stephen is away, and as per usual, is joined by Vinny and Gareth to dissect a packed double-header with all the relevant points swings, title challenges and position changes to come with it.
Vinny and Gareth debate the fallout from the top of the table clash between St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers
With more from across the league including the dire outlook at the Showgrounds and the worrying future at Tolka Park should form stay the way it is.
Ben and Vinny will be at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night as the Champions look to get back in form with only a few games to go as they welcome high-flying Waterford. You can listen to live and exclusive commentary of that game from 7PM on Newstalk and the GoLoud App.
And as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch?
You can do so by emailing theloipod@offtheball.com
Contact us on socials @offtheball across all our platforms.
Or if you want to contact us directly message the @offtheball.football account on Instagram
And as ever, we are on WhatsApp on 087 9 180 180.
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join
The LOI Pod on Off The Ball.

Wednesday’s Football Daily with Phil Egan is packed with Carabao Cup talking points, as Liverpool see off Spurs 3-1 at Anfield — with Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo on the scoresheet and a “cracker” from Dominik Szoboszlai stealing the show, plus praise for the Reds’ young stars.
Arsenal also progress after 16-year-old Max Dowman hits two in a 4-2 win at Ipswich, while Roberto De Zerbi looks for positives despite another frustrating result.
Plus: Brighton head to Old Trafford, United’s selection plans, and the latest twist in the JJ Gabriel saga as the 15-year-old academy prospect looks to move on.
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join