Ivan Varfolomeev could make his senior international debut tonight after being included in Ukraine’s matchday squad for their Nations League clash with Northern Ireland.
The 22-year-old missed out on the matchday squads for the first two games of the international window, but now has an opportunity to earn his first senior cap. As reported by Zorya Londonsk, this is the first time our midfielder has made the cut, marking another step forward in an impressive spell for club and country.
Ivan received his first senior call-up last month, having established himself as a regular in Ukraine’s U21 side. That recognition has now been followed by a place in the squad for tonight’s fixture, taking him a little closer to representing his country at senior level.
It continues a productive period for a player who has made considerable progress since arriving at Sincil Bank from Slovan Liberec in August 2025. His first season in City colours brought the club’s Young Player of the Season award, and he has followed that with eight Championship appearances as we settle into life back in the second tier.
There has been good news on the domestic front too, with Ivan signing a new contract keeping him with the Imps until the summer of 2030. For City, securing that commitment from a young midfielder now pushing for senior international football looks an encouraging piece of business.
Under Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, he has continued to play an important role in our midfield, and this latest recognition is another sign of his development. It is a significant jump from U21 football to the senior international stage, but earning a place in the matchday squad gives him the chance to take it.
Of course, inclusion alone does not guarantee a debut, and we will have to wait to see whether Ivan gets onto the pitch against Northern Ireland. Either way, there is now another reason for Imps supporters to keep an eye on Ukraine tonight, with one of our own potentially on the verge of a memorable moment.
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