“World Cup 2023: Town Stars Gear Up for Major International Break”

Town stars are gearing up for a major international break as World Cup 2023 play-offs and friendlies arrive. Several Ipswich players have been called into national squads or recalled after long absences.

Republic of Ireland play-off hopes

Dara O’Shea and Jack Taylor have been named by the Republic of Ireland. O’Shea brings 41 caps. Taylor has 10 senior appearances.

Two loanees also join the squad. Sam Szmodics, on loan at Derby County, has 11 caps. Chiedozie Ogbene, on loan at Sheffield United, has 30 caps.

Kasey McAteer missed out again. He last played for Ireland in September and was an unused substitute in October.

Ireland reached the play-offs after Troy Parrott scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Hungary in November. They face Czechia at the Fortuna Arena in Prague tonight at 7:45pm. The winner will host the Denmark v North Macedonia winner on Tuesday at 7:45pm.

Ireland are two wins from a World Cup return. Qualification would be their fourth appearance and first since 2002. A successful campaign would place them in Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

Albania recall for Anis Mehmeti

Anis Mehmeti, a January signing, returns to the Albania squad after almost four years. Born in Islington, he represents Albania through his parents.

Mehmeti featured at youth level and earned three senior caps in Euro 2024 qualifying. He appeared as a substitute against Poland, Moldova and the Faroe Islands.

Albania meet Poland in Warsaw tonight at 7:45pm. The winner will face the victor of Ukraine v Sweden on Tuesday at 7:45pm. Albania have never reached the World Cup finals.

Coach Sylvinho has discussed Mehmeti’s role. He views the player as a wide option, able to operate as a wing-back despite club duties in a number 10 role.

Scotland trio and George Hirst’s aim

Scotland have already sealed a place at the World Cup by topping Group C. They finished ahead of Denmark, Greece and Belarus.

George Hirst, capped six times, hopes to force his way into Steve Clarke’s tournament squad. Fans had called for in-form Oli McBurnie instead, who has 13 goals and seven assists for Hull this season.

Scotland play Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday at 5pm. They then face Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday at 7:30pm. Hirst will use the fixtures to press his case for World Cup selection.

Elkan Baggott returns to Indonesia

Elkan Baggott has struggled for first-team minutes this season. The 23-year-old remained at Ipswich as defensive cover and featured mainly for the Under-21s in Premier League 2.

His only first-team start came in the FA Cup exit at Wrexham. He has been recalled by Indonesia after more than two years away.

Indonesia were eliminated from World Cup qualification in November. They host St Kitts and Nevis in Jakarta tomorrow at 1pm. Baggott is chasing his 25th senior cap.

Somto Boniface with England U20s

Somto Boniface has featured on Ipswich benches in the Premier League, FA Cup and Championship. He is not yet a regular first-team member.

He joins England U20s for a friendly against Italy at the Riano Athletic Centre in Rome tomorrow at 3:30pm. If he plays, it will be his third cap at this age level.

Filmogaz.com will monitor these players through the major international break. Their performances could influence club and World Cup 2023 plans.