Phil Sumbler
Michael Obafemi’s reward for a fine second half of the season at Swansea has been a return to the Irish squad for their upcoming international games.
The 21-year-old has not played for the senior side since his international debut against Denmark in 2018.
He made his debut as an 18-year-old three-and-a-half years ago but has not added further caps since then and missed out on a place in Kenny’s squad in March.
The manager said his decision to omit the Swansea striker from that panel was made because Obafemi was anxious about an overly intense workload having sustained multiple hamstring injuries in recent years.
Republic of Ireland squad in full
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers)
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jason Knight (Derby County)
Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), CJ Hamilton (Blackpool), Festy Ebosele (Derby County)
