Sheffield United's hopes of seeing players rested on international duty could be dashed

Rhys Norrngton-Davies could be in line to make his Wales debut against a Republic of Ireland side containing three of his Sheffield United team mates.
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The full-back, who is spending the rest of the campaign on loan with Luton Town, has travelled to Dublin with Ryan Giggs’ squad and hopes to feature during tomorrow’s Nations League tie.

Norringon-Davies had hoped to appear during Thursday’s friendly with England at Wembley, but Giggs elected to leave him on the bench throughout a match the hosts won 3-0 thanks to goals from Danny Ings and former United players Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Conor Coady.

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With Wales’ defending proving to be a concern throughout that game, Giggs, who also has United’s Ethan Ampadu at his disposal, could choose to make changes for the Group H fixture. Ampadu agreed a season-long move to Bramall Lane from Chelsea earlier this summer.

David McGoldrick in action for the Republic of Ireland in Slovakia: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty ImagesDavid McGoldrick in action for the Republic of Ireland in Slovakia: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
David McGoldrick in action for the Republic of Ireland in Slovakia: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

United’s John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started the Republic’s European Championship qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava, which saw their hopes of reaching next year’s finals dashed following a penalty shoot-out defeat.

All three United players impressed for Stephen Kenny’s side, with McGoldrick in particular catching the eye by weaving together all of the Republic’s best attacks. But Matt Doherty’s missed penalty, after Jan Gregus had chipped Darren Randolph, proved crucial.

Kenny would have been tempted to make changes had his men progressed to face their neighbours Northern Ireland in a final eliminator. But the clash at the Aviva Stadium has suddenly assumed greater significance, meaning Egan, Stevens and McGoldrick could be thrust into action again.