Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has announced his 26 man squad for the upcoming World Cup 2022 qualifier in Azerbaijan and the home friendly against Qatar. There is a first call-up for Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane while Cyrus Christie retains his place as a result of the hamstring injury which rules out captain Seamus Coleman. There is a welcome return to the squad for Enda Stevens, Jason Knight and Chiedoze Ogbene all of whom missed the September contests through injury. There is no place at this juncture for Shane Long and Ronan Curtis both of whom were named in the September squad. Alan Browne and Jayson Molumby also miss out as both are suspended for the Azerbaijan game. Ryan Manning became an injury victim prior to departure for Baku and has been replaced in the squad by Liam Scales of Glasgow Celtic.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City-on loan at Portsmouth), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth),
Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Liam Scales (Glasgow Celtic)
Midfielders: Harry Arter (Charlton Athletic), Josh Cullen (RSC Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa-on loan at Sheffield United), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (St Mirren)
Forwards: James Collins (Cardiff City), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedoze Ogbene (Rotherham United), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur-on loan at MK Dons), Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion)