Luton striker misses out on Ireland squad for Nations League ties

Luton striker James Collins has missed out on being selected by new Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland.

The 29-year-old forward won all four of his caps under previous boss Mick McCarthy and had spoken about staying in contention for his country during lockdown, going on to play a major role in Town staying up, finishing with 14 goals.

However, Kenny, who took over in April, has handed Norwich City forward Adam Idah his first call-up in a 23-man squad, while also including ex-Luton loanee Aaron Connolly after his impressive end to the season with Premier League Brighton.

Sheffield United attacker Callum Robinson, plus Callum O'Dowda, James McClean, Troy Parrott, David McGoldrick and Shane Long have all been preferred for the matches in Bulgaria on September 3 and at home to Finland on September 6.

Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Kieran O’Hara (unattached)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders: James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Harry Arter (Fulham), Jeff Hendrick (unattached), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Robbie Brady (Burnley).

Forwards: Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur – on loan at Millwall), Shane Long (Southampton); David McGoldrick (Sheffield United).