Hatters striker misses out on Ireland squad once more

Luton striker James Collins has once again been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad by manager Stephen Kenny for their European Championship qualifying play-off semi-final and Nations League fixtures next month.

The Irish first head to Slovakia for their Euro qualifying clash on Thursday, October 8 and then host Wales on Sunday, October 11 in the Nations League, before going to Finland on Wednesday, October 14.

Collins started the season in fine form with a hat-trick against Norwich and then the winner against Barnsley, but despite that, the striker, who won the last of his four caps against Switzerland in October 2019, hasn't been included.

Full squad

Goalkeeers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Bournemouth).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Robbie Brady (Burnley).

Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Shane Long (Southampton).