Ronan and Obafemi return as Stephen Kenny selects squad to face Italy and Iceland
Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Connor Ronan and Michael Obafemi have returned from injury to take their places in the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad to face Italy and Iceland next week.
The pair were forced to pull out of the squad that beat Armenia and Sweden last month but have since returned to senior action for Dunajska Streda and Southampton respectively.
Bohemians full-back Darragh Leahy, who has started all three games to date, misses out with an ankle injury picked up in the win over Sweden and is replaced by Southampton’s Kameron Ledwidge.
Caoimhin Kelleher is included after keeping a clean sheet on his Liverpool debut against MK Dons, while Bournemouth’s Gavin Kilkenny and Tottenham’s Troy Parrott have also made senior bows in recent weeks.
Ireland face the Italians in Tallaght on Thursday, October 10th before facing Iceland in Reykjavik five days later as Stephen Kenny’s side look to keep their 100% record in Euro 2021 qualifying intact.
Kenny was taken ill following the 3-1 win in Kalmar, in which Parrott scored twice either side of a Conor Masterson header, but has since made a full recovery.
Ireland sit top of Group 1 with three wins from three, ahead of Iceland, who have won both their games, and Italy who won their sole encounter with Luxembourg.
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City)
Defenders: Danny McNamara (Newport County, on loan from Millwall), Lee O'Connor (Celtic), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Masterson (QPR), Liam Scales (UCD), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Kameron Ledwidge (Southampton)
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Millwall, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jack Taylor (Barnet), Connor Ronan (DAC Dunajská Streda, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians), Gavin Kilkenny (AFC Bournemouth), Zack Elbouzedi (Waterford)
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Michael Obafemi (Southampton)
