Obafemi not in Kenny's current plans but has 'big future' in green

Manager Stephen Kenny at today's Republic of Ireland Media Event Picture: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Stephen Kenny has described Michael Obafemi as a striker with a bright future in international football despite having left the young Southampton attacker out of his first senior squad for next month's Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland.

Obafaemi, who scored four times in 25 appearances for the Saints last season, sent what appeared to be a loaded tweet after the 23-man Republic of Ireland group was announced on Monday morning. “Intresting,” (sic) he said, followed by quizzical and laughing emojis.