Former Celtic academy graduate Rocco Vata has received his first senior call-up to the Ireland squad alongside former Celt Mikey Johnston and current Celtic striker Adam Idah but there’s no place for Johnny Kenny…
Cian Ashford of Cardiff City is challenged by Rocco Vata of Watford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Watford FC at Cardiff City Stadium on January 14, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Vata made six appearances for Celtic
The 19-year-old featured in six first-team matches at the Hoops before joining EFL Championship side Watford on a free transfer last summer. Vata has made 28 appearances for the Hornets this season, netting four goals and providing three assists.
Receiving their first ever senior Ireland call-ups
Introducing Rocco Vata & James Abankwah 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/XV7LQ2UkWK
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 13, 2025
His standout performances for the Vicarage Road side have earned him a call-up from Heimir Hallgrímsson to join Ireland’s senior squad this month for their UEFA Nations League play-off two-legged affair against Bulgaria.
Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after scoring to give them a 2-0 lead Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, Quarter Final, Celtic Park, – 09 March 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
Mikey Johnston makes the Ireland squad
Rocco Vata joins former Celtic teammate and fellow striker in the Ireland squad alongside another former Celt in Mikey Johnston who now plays for West Brom.
The Watford prospect has previously featured for Ireland at various youth levels, including the U15, U17, U18, U19, and U21 teams. Vata is one of three uncapped players named in the latest Ireland squad, giving him a chance to make his senior international debut.
Stuart Knight of Buckie Thistle saves from Rocco Vata of Celtic during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers made Vata an offer he refused
Last summer, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers insisted the club put a contract offer to Vata on the table. Rodgers said: “Rocco was offered a contract, and he was going to be one of three strikers at Celtic.
“He decided that that wasn’t going to be for him. So, he then leaves. That’s absolutely fine, and we wish him all the very best.”
Mikey Johnston of West Bromwich Albion during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City at The Hawthorns on February 13, 2024 (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
So Celtic striker Adam Idah and former Celtic wingers Rocco Vata and Mikey Johnston are all included in the Ireland squad but there’s no place for Johnny Kenny who was rumoured to have been in contention for a call-up. Johnny’s time will undoubtedly come.
Ireland squad
Conor Spence
27 August 2000: Henrik Larsson celebrates during the Scottish Premier League match against Rangers at Celtic Park. Celtic won the game 6 – 2. Photo: Stu Forster /Allsport
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