Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson explains surprise international call-up for ‘unique’ Portsmouth & Luton Town talent
Millenic Alli has scored one goal and provided two assists during his loan stint at Fratton Park.
Millenic Alli’s outstanding form with Pompey was the key reason behind his maiden international call-up for the Republic of Ireland.
That’s the impressive verdict of head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who has explained his decision to reward the 26-year-old with a place in his camp ahead of Tuesday’s contest with North Macedonia.
After a frustrating start to the season in League One with Luton Town, Alli has enjoyed a strong spell on loan at PO4 and filled the void left by the injured Josh Murphy on the left wing.
The Dublin-born talent’s scintillating form has notably dipped of late, explained by John Mousinho as tiredness after a gruelling schedule, with the tricky forward having started all 14 of his Pompey outings of late.
Following injuries to Sammie Szmodics and Robbie Brady as well as unavailability for Jack Taylor, Hallgrimsson opted to strengthen his squad, with Alli subsequently linking up for his first training session on Sunday.
Why Pompey talent was rewarded with international call-up
While Republic of Ireland boss admitted the Pompey man may not feature at the Aviva Stadium against North Macedonia on Tuesday, he was adamant he wanted to take a closer look at the winger with the hope of future a call-up.
Speaking to balls.ie, he said: ‘The three guys with us in the first game...obviously injury to Sammie, I talked to him this morning and he is feeling better.
‘He still has headaches and sickness and stuff. He will probably miss out on one or two games for Derby for protocol reasons...Jack Taylor's wife is getting better so positive news from there.
‘I talked to Robbie Brady this morning and he is gutted he cannot be with us. It's a slight hamstring injury or pull or tightness. It is necessary for him to be careful coming back from such a lengthy injury.
‘Millenic Alli was very close to being selected for the first squad.
‘Interesting player in many ways, a late bloomer. His route to where he is today is unique. We thought it was a good time to call him in. I don't know if we will play him but we want to take a look at him and see what kind of person he is and what kind of character he has.
‘It is good for him as well to get a sniff of the camp and how we do things, get to know the players.’
Republic of Ireland boss pleased with winger’s transformation
After an impressive stint with Exeter City, Luton Town splashed £1.5m to secure his services in January 2025 before falling down the pecking order under new boss Jack Wilshere at Kenilworth Road earlier this season.
But having reignited his career at Fratton Park, Hallgrimsson is pleased to see the winger bounce back and subsequently earn his maiden call-up at the age of 26.
‘Interesting player, physically strong, fast, skilful and he has been doing really well for Portsmouth and hopefully this will help him to grow.
‘He is not a 17, 18 year old, it is good to see a player developing this late and progressing this fast at his age. Interesting player we want to get to know better.’