David’s Squad Reaction for Belgium/Lithuania
So, after watching Stephen Kenny’s press conference we have learned a few things.
Firstly, Michael Obafemi did NOT rule himself out of the Under 21’s as previously stated by Jim Crawford. According to Kenny, the inform striker was never in contention for the Under 21 set up and hasn’t been selected this time around due to injury concerns.
So, that leads to another question, what’s happened between Crawford and Kenny?
The Swansea striker, who has netted six goals in nine games, is concerned about being put on the shelf again, having finally settled down in Wales. The 21-year-old, according to Kenny, has never played three games back-to-back until this year and is anxious about causing long-term damage with this work load.
Fair enough, that’s modern football folks, so what can you do!
Aaron Connolly is in a similar situation himself. The 22-year-old, on loan from Brighton, is currently struggling with a heel injury and playing through the pain barrier, whilst not training. So, he is out.
Jamie McGrath, once the darling of the Irish team and St Mirren, is enduring a torrid time at Wigan, having only featured once in the last ten games at the DW stadium… Oh dear.
Mark Sykes gets the nod, much to the groaning of many of you out there, however, he is having a decent season at Oxford, who reside in League One. The 24-year-old has contributed seven assists and eight goals to U’s promotion push. So, not too bad.
Meanwhile, no one could argue Conor Ronan’s inclusion with eight goals and three assists so far this season in the SPFL, he is in flying form.
In terms of a new coach, according to Kenny, he should be announced in the next couple of days. Originally, we are led to believe, the new man to replace Anthony Barry was supposed to be unveiled today. However, according to the manager, there are still one or two little things to sort out.
David, The Green Machíne Podcast
