Ireland team news: Stephen Kenny makes three changes against Azerbaijan

Stephen Kenny has made three changes to his Ireland side for today’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium (5pm).

Troy Parrott, Jayson Molumby, and James McClean have been drafted in for the meeting against the Group A bottom seeds.

Both nations have yet to take a point from their opening three qualifiers.

Dara O’Shea’s withdrawal due to an ankle injury in the first half of Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat in Portugal created one vacancy but Jamie McGrath and Jeff Hendrick also drop out.

Kenny confirmed that Matt Doherty will switch from left to right wing back, with Seamus Coleman slipping inside to the right berth of the three central-defensive unit.

Callum Robinson linked up with the squad on Thursday after recovering from Covid but took his own decision to make himself unavailable.

“Callum didn’t feel ready to start,” confirmed Kenny. “He felt he could contribute but didn’t feel he’d have the energy.” 

On his front three of Connolly, Idah, and Parrott – all still eligible for U21 levels – Kenny added: “Aaron is a very exciting player. I agree there’s more to come from him. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

“Troy has been in good form at club level. Together they can be a potent three.

“We need to turn performances into wins and share those experiences with the fans.”

IRELAND: G Bazunu; M Doherty, S Coleman, S Duffy, J Egan, J McClean; J Cullen, J Molumby; T Parrott, A Idah, A Connolly.