Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has selected Portsmouth winger Millenic Alli for the upcoming friendly against North Macedonia. The fixture takes place on Tuesday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, per the Football Association of Ireland. This selection marks the first senior international call-up for the 26-year-old attacker.
Alli joins the squad as a replacement for Luton Town forward Chiedozie Ogbene, who withdrew due to a hamstring injury. The Portsmouth player has scored eight goals in 32 appearances during the current League One campaign, according to Sky Sports. Hallgrímsson noted that Alli's recent form for his club merited an opportunity at the international level.
The Republic of Ireland team began training in Dublin on Sunday morning. The squad features several changes as the coaching staff looks to integrate new players before the next competitive cycle. Alli previously represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level but had not featured for the senior side until this invitation, per RTÉ Sport.
