Stephen Kenny: Michael Obafemi's inactivity at club level 'not ideal'
NOT IDEAL: Manager Stephen Kenny during a Republic of Ireland squad announcement at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Michael Obafami’s inactivity at club level ahead of Ireland’s visit to Scotland next Thursday isn’t ideal, admits Stephen Kenny.
Swansea City boss Russell Martin has omitted the striker from his squad for the past two Championship matches following a failed deadline day swoop from rivals Burnley.
“It’s down to him to put himself back in, to show us that he’s in the right place to contribute to the group,” said Martin.
The 22-year-old was named in Kenny’s 24-man squad and given his contribution on this last outing, a goal and assist in the 3-0 win over the Scots at home in June, he’ll be favourite to start in the rematch at Hampden Park. Ireland’s final game of the campaign comes at home to Armenia on Tuesday, September 27.
“There’s three sides to every story,” admitted Kenny about the standoff with his manager.
“It’s not ideal, we want our player playing coming in and in form.
“I saw him against Blackpool when he ran 60 yards and unselfishly laid the ball off for a teammate to score.”
Caoimhín Kelleher wasn’t included in the squad as the goalkeeper continues his recovery from a groin injury that has been a source of debate between Kenny and the Reds. Jurgen Klopp is adamant the injury occurred during the June international window.
Kenny has so far opted against clear the air talks with his Liverpool counterpart as the war of words rumbles on over how the ailment was first diagnosed.
“If Caoimhín tweaked something in the game against Ukraine it wasn’t evident by his performance,” said Kenny.
“He performed very well in that match and I honestly wasn’t aware of him being injured at that time.
“He trained with Liverpool when he went back for pre -season and got injured, but certainly it was something that we weren’t aware of it.
“The good thing is he’s making good progress and is back very soon. He should be back for the next camp for sure.
“I haven’t spoken to Jurgen Klopp but the medical teams have been in constant contact so that’s been evident.”
Robbie Brady’s recall after an 18-month absence was the standout squad news but also back in the fold in-form winger Callum O’Dowda, who has excelled since his switch from Bristol City to neighbours Cardiff City.
“Callum has been through a lot; he’s moved clubs and played in three positions,” Kenny noted. “I would hope that he’s someone who is significant for us in next year’s Euro qualifiers.”
Reducing the squad size to 24, contrasted to the 27 chosen for a June window double the complement of games, triggered a cohort of casualties.
Out go Cyrus Christie, CJ Hamilton and, surprisingly, Will Keane.
Darragh Lenihan was solid on his first competitive start last time out against Ukraine, so an ankle injury could be a factor in his exclusion.
Festy Ebosele drops back down to the U21s for their Euro 2023 play-off against Israel, the first leg of which takes place at Tallaght Stadium next Friday.
Max O’Leary comes in for Kelleher as back-up goalkeeper to Gavin Bazunu and Mark Travers.
“We’re going into the games knowing that we still have a chance of finishing second in the group, which could potentially give us a playoff for the European Championships,” summarised the manager about what’s at stake.
“We are in a tough group. Ukraine look strong favourites to win the group and have been amazing really considering all they have gone through.
“They’ve have shown their quality overall and still must play Scotland twice, which is interesting, but we’ve got to look after ourselves.
“We’ve got a tough game in Hampden against Scotland and then we have Armenia here.”
Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).
Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Fulham), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Jason Knight (Derby County), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Hourihane (Derby County), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Troy Parrott (Preston North End), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City).
Thursday Sept 24 - Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Hampden Park, 7.45pm.
Tuesday Sept 27 - Republic of Ireland v Armenia, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
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