Collins and Ogbene ruled out of friendly double-header

Nathan Collins and Chiedozie Ogbene are both out of the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming friendly double-header against Hungary and Portugal.

Interim head coach John O’Shea will name his squad for the games on Tuesday, but he’ll have to plan without Brentford centre-half Collins and Luton Town wideman Ogbene.

Collins, who missed the Bees’ final Premier League campaign outing against Newcastle United with a knee injury, is not available, while Ogbene won’t be involved due to family reasons.

The Boys in Green welcome Hungary to the Aviva on Tuesday, 4 June before taking on Portugal in Aveiro a week later. Both of Ireland’s opponents will be at June’s Euros in Germany.

Ireland last faced Hungary in a friendly back in June 2021 which ended in a scoreless draw, while Portugal were group opponents during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Back in March, O’Shea oversaw a creditable draw with Belgium before Switzerland won 1-0 in Dublin.

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