Stephen Kenny has named his Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international window.ย
Ireland take on Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier on October 9th.
They have a friendly three days later at home to Qatar.
There's no place for Seamus Coleman, who has been ruled out with injury.
Dara O'Shea also misses out.
There's a first call-up for Will Keane, the Wigan attacker.
Keane, formerly of Manchester United, played for England at underage level.
He was part of the side that won the U-17 European Championships in 2010.
However, Keane declared for the Republic of Ireland in 2019 and has now been drafted in for the first time.
While O'Shea and Coleman miss out through injury, three players return to the squad.
Enda Stevens is back in, as are Jason Knight and Chiedozie Ogbene.
After a challenging period as boss, Stephen Kenny will be hopeful for a first win of the campaign.
Squad announced for Azerbaijan & Qatar fixtures@LaticsOfficial striker Will Keane receives his first international call-up as Stevens, Knight & Ogbene all return following injury ๐
Coleman & O'Shea ruled out ๐
09/10 | ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ช
12/10 | ๐ฎ๐ช๐๐ถ๐ฆ#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #WeAre100 pic.twitter.com/rE0IcHtAlpโ FAIreland โฝ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ช (@FAIreland) September 30, 2021
Ireland currently lie one place above Azerbaijan in fourth place, with two points from their first five matches.
The sides played out a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting at the Aviva Stadium in early September.
Shane Duffy scored a late equaliser to earn Ireland a point.
Qatar are also familiar opposition.
The World Cup hosts held Ireland to a 1-1 draw in their last encounter.
That was in March, with James McClean scoring the Irish goal.
Following this international window, Stephen Kenny's charges will round off their campaign in November.
They host Portugal on November 11th, before travelling for an away fixture against Luxembourg three days later.
Much speculation and debate has surrounded Stephen Kenny's position as Ireland boss.
However, a poll seen exclusively by OTB Sports, suggests the former U-21 manager retains significant support amongst the Irish public.
80 percent of respondents to the survey said they supported him remaining in the role.
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