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Aaron Connolly is not included in the Ireland squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Luxembourg.
Connolly played 90 minutes in Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester City on October 27th but the Galway native did not make the bench for last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Having started against Portugal in September, the 21-year-old striker was unused sub in the October victories in Azerbaijan and home to Qatar when Callum Robinson scored five goals.
“I was at the [Leicester] game last Wednesday,” said Ireland manager Stephen Kenny earlier this week. “It was good to see him get 90 minutes because he hasn’t had that for over two years at club level.
“He had a minor injury issue, I’m not sure if that’s why he wasn’t involved at the weekend but hopefully he will be okay.
“He’s a talented young player who hasn’t played that much, it’s hard at Premier League level to get football. He nearly got a potential loan move at the start of the season, it didn’t materialise, as Brighton wanted to hold onto him.
“So, it’s not easy for young players in the Premier League trying to get an opportunity. It’s tough to get gametime and that can affect your sharpness. There’s no doubt he’s a very talented player and will come good over time.”
Kenny has also excluded veterans Cyrus Christie and Harry Arter but captain Séamus Coleman and Derby County midfielder Jason Knight return from injury alongside Jayson Molumby and Alan Browne, who both missed the last international window due to suspension.
More to follow...
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley).
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren).
Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Idah (Norwich City), James Collins (Cardiff City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers).
World Cup 2022 qualifiers fixtures
Republic of Ireland v Portugal – Thursday, November 11th (kick-off: 7.45pm, live on RTÉ2)
Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland – Sunday, November 14th (kick-off: 7.45pm, live on RTÉ2)