Hallgrimsson said he was excited by the inclusion of 19-year-old Vata, who has caught the eye with Watford with three goals and three assists so far this season.
“The winger position has been a bit worrying for us, lots of injuries in that position which gives us a chance to call in Vata,” he said.
“He has played well for Watford this season; he can win games and give us something different. Has scored a few really nice goals this season.”
The Republic of Ireland boss dismissed the idea that Vata was called up to fend off interest from Albania, who he is also eligible to represent.
“No [he was not called up due to Albania’s interest], it is his quality, he did well for the under-21s, and he can be a game changer.
Whilst frustrated by injuries which has in part, forced 11 changes from the last squad, Hallgrimsson admitted that it was “the life of a national team coach”.
He did, however, point to the recent emergence of depth in the right-back position, even without the inclusion of captain Coleman, who Hallgrimsson admitted “wasn’t thrilled” to have been left out of this squad.
“The right-back situation has changed; we have a lot of players playing there at a high-level,” he added.
“Matt Doherty has played all the minutes for Wolves and has been really good, Jake O’Brien same for Everton and Jimmy Dunne can play there so we are pretty well covered.”
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