Ireland legend's Wembley jibe as Heimir Hallgrimsson names team for England clash

No Seamus Coleman or Matt Doherty in Iceland squad for friendly clash

Former Republic of Ireland defender Kevin Kilbane has joked that Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson might have left Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty out of his squad for the friendly meeting between the nations out of fear of the Wembley pitch.

The Everton and Tottenham full-backs were notable absentees when Hallgrimsson named his squad for the trip to London next month. Ireland will be without several regulars themselves, with Darren Randolph, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane, James McClean and Callum Robinson all missing out.

However, Kilbane believes the Iceland manager may have had the surface at the national stadium in mind when making his selection. "Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty have been left out of the Iceland squad for the game against Ireland at Wembley next month," Kilbane told Off The Ball. "I can only think that Heimir Hallgrimsson is frightened of the Wembley pitch.

"He must have seen Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty play on that surface before and thought, 'I'm not having any of that'."

England test will be a good one for Ireland

Kilbane believes that the friendly fixture will provide Ireland boss Stephen Kenny with a good test ahead of the Nations League games against Ukraine and Scotland.

"It's a good game for Ireland," added Kilbane. "England are obviously a very good side. They are building towards a World Cup, and they will be very strong.

"But it's a good test for Ireland, and it's a chance for Stephen Kenny to have a look at some of the players that he's got in the squad. He's got a few injuries, and he's had to make some changes, but it's a good opportunity for him to have a look at some of the other players.

"You would imagine that the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Nathan Collins, and Andrew Omobamidele will all start the game. It's a good chance for them to show what they can do.

"It's also a chance for some of the more experienced players to show Stephen Kenny that they're still up for the fight. The likes of Shane Duffy, John Egan, and Robbie Brady will all be looking to put in a good performance.

"It's a big game for Ireland. It's a chance for them to show what they can do against one of the best teams in the world."