Sykes and Ronan win first Republic of Ireland call-ups but no Obafemi

Mark Sykes and Connor Ronan are in Stephen Kenny's 25-man squad for the upcoming internationals against Belgium and Lithuania.

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Mark Sykes of Oxford United celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between AFC Wimbledon and Oxford United at Plough Lane on September 04, 2021 in Wimbledon, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

Michael Obafemi has been overlooked for a call-up by Stephen Kenny for Ireland’s upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania.

The Swansea City striker has been on a hot streak in the Championship, bagging five goals in the last six weeks, but once he made himself unavailable to Under-21 manager Jim Crawford earlier this week, a senior call-up looked unlikely for the once-capped forward.