Lincoln City have five players away on international duty this month, with call-ups for senior and under-21 squads across Europe. The selections highlight the growing profile of the club's squad as they sit 12th in the Championship with 11 points from eight games.
Ivan Varfolomeev is in line for his senior Ukraine debut after being named in the squad for their UEFA Nations League matches. The 2025 signing from Slovan Liberec, who was Lincoln's Young Player of the Season, has been a regular for Ukraine's U21 side. He could feature against Hungary on Friday evening.
"After signing for City in the summer of 2025 from Slovan Liberec and earning himself the accolade of Young Player of the Season, Ivan Varfolomeev made consistent appearances for Ukraine’s U21 setup throughout the duration of last season," Varfolomeev said. Ukraine face a busy schedule with trips to Georgia and Northern Ireland before hosting Hungary again on Monday 5 October.
New faces on the international stage
Andrei Coubiș has received his first competitive call-up for Romania under manager Gheorghe Hagi. The centre-half, who joined the Imps this summer, has three friendly caps and has made eight appearances for the club so far.
"The Romanian centre-half joined the Imps over the summer and has so far made eight appearances for City, getting himself an assist for Freddie Draper’s goal against Preston," Coubiș said. Romania begin their Nations League campaign away to Sweden on Friday, before hosting Bosnia and Herzegovina and travelling to Poland.
Chieo Ogbene brings considerable experience to the Republic of Ireland squad. The deadline-day loan signing from Ipswich Town has 35 caps and five international goals. Heimir Hallgrímsson's side face Kosovo, Israel and Austria in a packed schedule starting on Thursday.
Youth prospects in action
Two younger players will also be involved in European Championship qualifiers. Yunus Konak, on loan from Brentford, is with the Turkiye U21 squad for games against Ukraine U21 and Hungary U21. Oisin Gallagher, currently on loan at Sky Bet League Two leaders Barnet, joins the Republic of Ireland U21 setup for matches against Slovakia, Kazakhstan and England.
The international break comes after a mixed run of form for Lincoln, whose last five results read LWWLD. They were beaten 2-1 by Swansea in their last outing before the pause. Manager Chris Cohen will hope his players return fit and ready for the Championship restart away to Sheffield United on 10 October.
With Tendayi Darikwa currently sidelined, the club's depth will be tested upon the squad's return. The international recognition for five players is a positive sign for the quality within the group as they aim to climb the standings.
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