Republic of Ireland are up against Azerbaijan and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar during October, live on Sky Sports, ahead of their final two World Cup Qualifiers against Portugal and Luxembourg in November
Friday 1 October 2021 07:20, UK
Wigan striker Will Keane has been given his first call-up for the Republic of Ireland for their matches against Azerbaijan and Qatar in October.
The 28-year-old, the twin brother of England and Everton defender Michael, represented England up to U20 level but declared his intention to play for the Republic in February 2019.
He qualifies for Ireland through his father and, with Stephen Kenny's side desperate for goals, Keane has now been given his chance.
Ireland face Azerbaijan in a World Cup Qualifier in Baku on October 9 and then play Qatar three days later in Dublin in a friendly.
There is no place, though, for in-form Lincoln forward Anthony Scully, who has scored 10 goals this season.
Sheffield United full-back Enda Stevens, Derby midfielder Jason Knight and Rotherham winger Chiedozie Ogbene all return to the squad after injury ruled them out of September's international fixtures.
Captain Seamus Coleman and defender Dara O'Shea, though, are both ruled out through injury.
Teenage Norwich defender Andrew Omobamidele, who made his debut against Portugal, keeps his place but 'keeper Darren Randolph is left out again.
The Republic have picked up only two points from their five qualifying matches so far.
Stephen Kenny's side have drawn four of their last six matches and the manager has urged his side to find a way to win tight games when they take on Azerbaijan and Qatar in October.
Those fixtures come after the Republic conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 in Portugal in September, while they also recorded home draws against Azerbaijan and Serbia.
"The last window was very intensive - three games, six days. Very tough physically," said Kenny. "I thought they were three very exciting games but we obviously want to turn a number of the draws we've had into wins.
"We should have done that and we haven't, so we just need to find a way of doing that now."
But while the Republic were stung by late goals against Portugal, their draws against Azerbaijan and Serbia were earned after they struck late themselves.
It is something Kenny is keen to see more of, saying: "We have taken the lead in games against Portugal and Serbia this year in qualifiers, so the ability to get late goals is an important trait and one we haven't shown up until the last window.
"It was important to get those two late goals and we need to continue in that vein."
