Airtricity League Duo Called up Kenny

Shamrock Rovers pair Graham Burke and Aaron McEneff will join club teammate Jack Byrne in the Ireland squad for Wednesday night’s crucial Nations League game with Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium (7.45).

The duo were called up by manager Stephen Kenny along with Millwall striker Troy Parrott and Peterborough midfielder Jack Taylor.

The Ireland manager was forced into yet more squad changes as both Matt Doherty and James McLean, who have both been ever presents during his reign, tested positive for Coronavirus on Monday.

It has been a tough week for the former Dundalk supremo who has had to deal without several first choice players due to injury and Covid-19 issues. Enda Stevens, Seamus Coleman, John Egan, Aaron Connolly, James McCarthy, Harry Arter, Alan Browne and Callum Robinson all missed Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Wales.

Added to the mentioned absentees, midfield pair Jeff Hendrick and Jayson Molumby will miss Wednesday’s crunch game through suspension. Kenny is still searching for his first victory as Ireland manager as David Brooks goal handed Wales the narrow victory at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.

The Bulgarians were beaten by Finland which leaves Ireland on 2 points and one point ahead of this week’s opponents. The losers will face relegation to League C of the Nations League. A draw will be enough for Ireland to avoid relegation.