The 23-year old defender has been called up in place of Swansea City defender Ryan Manning who had to withdraw from the squad with injury.

Scales linked up with the squad before departure to Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday and will be available for the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier on Saturday, October 9 as well as the international friendly against Qatar on Tuesday, October 12.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has also spoken in a press conference about the recent news that striker Callum Robinson has chosen not to be vaccinated for the Covid-19 virus.

When asked if he would drop the player due to this, Kenny thought that it would be ‘radical’ and said he would not at this time.

Speaking to the press Robinson, explained his decision: “It’s obviously annoying that I’ve caught it twice but I haven’t been vaccinated. Further down the line I could change my mind and want to do it, but at this moment in time I haven’t been vaccinated.”

"Everyone has that choice."

Callum Robinson has revealed he has not yet been vaccinated against COVID 19. pic.twitter.com/jc3DldzBsk

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 6, 2021

Republic of Ireland Squad v Azerbaijan / v Qatar

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Liam Scales (Celtic).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jason Knight (Derby County).

Attackers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United).

Liam Scales called up to the Ireland squad. What a player pic.twitter.com/36UGZ1EFVQ

— Conor (@srfconor) October 7, 2021

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international football news, click here.

The post Liam Scales has been called up for Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Irish international Callum Robinson scored twice this afternoon as his West Bromwich Albion side dismantled Chelsea on their way to a 5-2 win.

Unfortunately, his compatriot Dara O’Shea was forced off in the 24^th minute with an injury. The injury is not thought to be of major concern. Nevertheless, it’s still a blow given O’Shea’s impressive form over the international break.

Chelsea opened the scoring through Christian Pulisic in the 27^th minute but just minutes later, Thiago Silva was sent off on his return to action which was possibly a determining factor regarding the outcome of the match.

Matheus Pereira scored two goals in quick succession just before half-time to make it 2-1 to West Brom going into the break.

One might have thought that Chelsea would come out firing in the second half and find a way to take all three points. That wasn’t the case, however.

Callum Robinson scored his first of the night in the 63^rd minute with a stunning – and powerful – half volley from just inside the box.

Mbaye Diagne then scored another for West Brom just minutes later before Mason Mount pulled one back for Chelsea in the 71^st minute to make it 4-2.

Callum Robinson all but wrapped up the three points with his second goal in the 91^st minute. He was played in by an accurate through ball from man of the match Matheus Pereira and he never panicked in front of goal, deftly chipping the ball over Edouard Mendy to make it 5-2.

Robinson has only scored five goals in his Premier League career. Amazingly, all of which have came against Chelsea. He scored another brace earlier this season in a 3-3 draw against The Blues – who were then under the guidance of Frank Lampard. Prior to that, he scored a singular goal against them for Sheffield United in the 2019/20 season.

The match finished at 5-2 in what was a much-needed win for Sam Allardyce and a surprise loss for Thomas Tuchel.

In fact, it was Thomas Tuchel’s first loss in charge of Chelsea. The German manager had gone an incredible 14 games without losing prior to this afternoon’s match.

Chelsea must now put their Premier League disappointment behind them with an important Champions League first leg coming up against Porto on Wednesday.

The Portuguese side will be no pushovers, having eliminated a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Juventus in the round of 16.

@WBA hit Chelsea for FIVE!

The #PL returns with an incredible match at Stamford Bridge#CHEWBA pic.twitter.com/GJinbjSdFU

— Premier League (@premierleague) APRIL 3, 2021

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It’s been 5 months since Ireland’s last competitive fixture, a disappointing loss on penalties to Slovakia which resulted in elimination from the 2021 European Championships.

Tomorrow, Ireland begin their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign as they travel to Belgrade in order to face Serbia.

Ireland go into the game with a seriously weakened squad as several players have been forced out of action due to injury. Conor Hourihane, Darren Randolph and John Egan to name a few.

Nevertheless, a positive result will be expected in order to kickstart a potentially fruitful qualifying campaign.

Below is the team we feel is best equipped to achieve that result.

GOALKEEPER

Mark Travers (Bourenemouth)

An inexperienced goalkeeper must be relied on for the upcoming round of games given Darren Randolph’s injury and Kieren Westwood’s unavailability. Caoimhin Kelleher was also ruled out, meaning he won’t get his international debut for another few months, at least.

Mark Travers already has 2 international caps to his name and will, in all likelihood, start against Serbia. However, Gavin Bazunu’s form and game time this season is hard to ignore.

Bazunu has started far more league games this season than Travers. He also recently picked up Rochdale Supporters’ Player of the Month for February.

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has essentially confirmed Mark Travers’ involvement in Wednesday’s game, though. He mentioned during a Q&A last week that Travers would be next in line if Kelleher wasn’t fit to start.

Travers returned to Bournemouth from a brief but impressive loan spell at Swindon Town last month. Since returning, he’s had to settle for the bench as an emergency backup.

The other goalkeeping option in the squad is Burton Albion ‘keeper Kieran O’Hara. However, he’s likely third choice given he hasn’t started a league game since January.

Welcome to the @premierleague, @MarkTravers40 pic.twitter.com/rYpF5pXiui

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) MAY 7, 2019

RIGHT BACK

Séamus Coleman (Everton)

Everton and Ireland captain Séamus Coleman would be most people’s choice for starting right back and it appears Stephen Kenny is a big fan of the Donegal man, as well.

“I can’t give away the team but I will say that Séamus is very important for us,” said the Ireland manager in a press conference earlier today.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this season, putting in several good performances and captaining his side to one of their best seasons in years (as it stands).

The other realistic option for right back is Matt Doherty, however his poor form and sporadic game time this season won’t help his cause. He may, however, start at left back or centre back as he has done in previous Ireland games under Stephen Kenny.

LEFT BACK

Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Enda Stevens has been the undisputed Irish national team left back for a couple of years now, but his performances this season have been of an unusually low standard.

That said, though, he should still maintain his position in the Ireland setup.

Swansea City’s midfielder turned defender Ryan Manning is the other option for this position.

Initially, Manning struggled for game time this season. However, he’s started several games in the last number of weeks which may improve his chance of receiving a start tomorrow.

CENTRE BACKS

Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United) & Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion)

Perhaps the most obvious option to start at centre back is Ciaran Clark. The Newcastle United man has enjoyed a good spell in his club’s side recently and is one of Ireland’s more experienced campaigners having accumulated 34 caps since 2011.

The next centre back position is a toss up between Dara O’Shea and Shane Duffy.

The latter has been one of Ireland most reliable servants over the years, however his decline over the last year is very hard to ignore. Duffy joined Celtic on loan at the beginning of the 2020/21 season and to say he’s been a disappointment would be an understatement.

Celtic had high hopes for the Derry man but his performances has been well below his usual standards. His recent performances for Ireland have also been shakier than usual.

O’Shea, on the other hand, has had a solid debut Premier League campaign for West Brom despite their poor league form. He’s also started a majority of their games this season despite their switch of managers half way through the season, showing how much he’s rated at the club.

For that reason, we think O’Shea should start ahead of Duffy tomorrow.

HOLDING MIDFIELD

Josh Cullen (RSC Anderlecht)

James McCarthy’s absence from the squad means Josh Cullen should be a guaranteed starter against Serbia.

The former West Ham midfielder has established himself as a key player for Anderlecht whom he joined at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Current West Ham footballer Conor Coventry, who will know Cullen very well from his time at the club, can also play the position but is very unlikely to start given he was only called up a couple of days ago and has never made a senior appearance for his country before.

Jayson Molumby is another option, however his lack of game time this season may rule him out of contention.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

Jason Knight (Derby County)

There’s no doubt about it, Jason Knight must start tomorrow. His energy, work rate and all-roundedness could be just what Ireland need to counter Serbia’s effectiveness.

While Derby have not exactly set the world alight this season, Knight has been a revelation in their midfield.

The 20-year-old has played the most minutes out of any Derby County player showing just how valued he is by the club’s staff.

He was linked with a number of Premier League clubs in January, however Wayne Rooney was not willing to forfeit his talents: “I know which players I want to keep here, and who I would like to bring in to this football club. I’m trying to build a team that I feel can challenge in this league. I’ve seen the reports on the younger players leaving. The ones who I want to keep, will stay.”

In terms of the talent coming out of Ireland at the moment, Knight might just be the cream of the crop.

Jason Knight has been named in @FAIreland‘s senior squad for their upcoming @FIFAWorldCup qualifiers

Good luck, Knighty!

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) MARCH 18, 2021

ADVANCED MIDFIELD

Alan Browne (Preston North End)

Jeff Hendrick has been a shoo-in for every Irish XI over the past few years, despite his increasingly underwhelming performances.

Alan Browne, on the other hand, has only accumulated 11 Ireland caps despite becoming one of the Championship’s most established players over a number of years.

His performances for Ireland have also been energy-filled and eventful, despite not always having his run of luck.

That said, we believe Browne should start ahead of Hendrick for the upcoming games. His late runs into the box is something that Hendrick simply doesn’t offer, and that may prove crucial in the final third.

RIGHT WING

Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion)

Another West Bromwich Albion footballer who also happens to be an Ireland international, Callum Robinson has also appeared in the majority of his club’s games this season, albeit mainly from the bench in recent weeks.

Still though, Robinson is one of Ireland’s best attacking players on his day, as he demonstrated by scoring a brace against Chelsea earlier in the season.

With just one goal for Ireland in his fifteen caps so far, tomorrow wouldn’t be a bad day to add to his tally.

Daryl Horgan is another option that Stephen Kenny may consider, having used the Wycombe Wanderers winger in previous fixtures.

LEFT WING

Robbie Brady (Burnley)

Aaron Connolly and James McClean are both doubts for tomorrow’s fixture so Robbie Brady is in with a good chance of starting on the left wing, as he has many times in the past for Ireland.

His set piece ability could be crucial if Ireland are to secure a positive result, particularly given the absence of Conor Hourihane.

Brady has played a healthy amount of games for Burnley this season, also, meaning his match fitness should be up to par.

Ronan Curtis is another option.

However, Brady’s experience, set piece ability and the level he’s playing at should get him over the line.

STRIKER

James Collins (Luton Town)

Other than Adam Idah, Irish strikers remained generally unscathed leading up to the international break.

Unfortunately, though, very few of those are in form for their clubs.

James Collins is perhaps the most in-form, in terms of goals at least. The Luton striker has scored 7 Championship goals so far this season, he has however had more prolific campaigns in the past.

Troy Parrott is another one who’s played several games this season but his attacking output has been lacking with just a solitary league goal this season. Stephen Kenny has said himself that Parrott is unlikely to start.

Shane Long is another option for Kenny to think about. He has had very little game time this season, though.

Realistically, it’s between Long and Collins for the starting striker spot. However, we think Collins might just edge it.

COME ONNNNNNNNNN!!! pic.twitter.com/j1b4iiwCpf

— LutonTown (@LutonTown) MARCH 20, 2021

The post Who should be in the Republic of Ireland starting team against Serbia? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

David McGoldrick announces his retirement from international football

The Football Association of Ireland would like to thank David for his fantastic service and wish him all the best for the future

https://t.co/ynNrU76RpS#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/0rDQ4OjN2I

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 4, 2020

Where will the goals come from?

Although McGoldrick will be missed, Ireland have continued to struggle to find the net, even with him in the team. Sean Maguire and Shane Long have been omitted from the squad, casting further doubt over their Ireland futures. Aaron Connolly has not started a game for his club Brighton since the last international break. Stephen Kenny hinted at Connolly’s prospects of filling the void left by McGoldrick by moving more centrally.

Adam Idah, like Connolly, has struggled to find game time at Norwich City this season. There was hope that the Cork man would push on as his team dropped down from the Premier League. But this hasn’t been the case. Callum Robinson enjoyed a bright start to the campaign for West Brom, scoring a brace against Chelsea. Since then he has only started one game, left standing in the shadows of new recruit Karlan Grant.

That leaves James Collins. The striker has four Ireland caps to his name, scoring on his debut against Bulgaria last year. Until now, Kenny has opted for youth when selecting his strikers, drafting in Idah and Troy Parrott whilst overlooking Collins in his last two squads.

Ireland 3-1 Bulgaria – What a goal by James Collins on his senior international debut. #rtesoccer #irlbul pic.twitter.com/NDc9JMD5YC

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 10, 2019

Since the former Dundalk manager took over, his team have scored one goal in five games. In spite of the obvious scoring drought, Ireland have taken more shots and crafted bigger chances than their opponents in four out of Kenny’s first five games in charge. The game against Slovakia typifies these statistics. The chances have been there, but the goals haven’t.

How does James Collins compare to the rest?

This season, James Collins has scored five goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup. Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly are both on one for the season, whilst Callum Robinson has scored three.

Focusing on last season alone, according to sofascore.com James Collins averaged a goal every 282 minutes, netting 14 times in 46 appearances. These numbers may not look impressive considering Collins is playing in the Championship. However it must be remembered that Luton Town had only been promoted last season, and finished in 19^th place. Not a bad return for a struggling side.

In contrast, Connolly managed three goals last season in the league, averaging one every 422 minutes. Idah didn’t feature as much for Norwich, starting only one game with his remaining eleven appearances coming from the bench. He failed to find the net. A hat-trick in the FA Cup against Preston North End was the highlight of his season. Robinson made the switch to West Brom at the beginning of the year, going on to score three goals for the Baggies (goal every 287 minutes).

Ignoring the fact that Collins is playing at a lower level, it is clear to see that his goal-scoring record is superior in comparison to his attacking counterparts in the current squad. Furthermore, Collins’ current form must also be taken into consideration, particularly with Connolly, Robinson and Idah all limited to substitute appearances in recent weeks.

Collins offers an alternative option for Stephen Kenny, who needs to start seeing his side convert chances into goals. Many would view McGoldrick’s retirement as the perfect opportunity for the younger players like Connolly and Idah to step up. Yet domestic football hasn’t been kind to them thus far. Ireland need goals and they need them now, so maybe it is time for Collins to steal the limelight.

The post Can James Collins be the answer to Ireland’s goalscoring problem? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Firstly to Anfield where John Egan and co failed, despite their best efforts, to hang onto the draw as Sheffield United narrowly lost to champions Liverpool. Egan and fellow international Enda Stevens had a front four of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah to contest with. After taking an early lead, the Blades went home with nothing to show for in spite of Egan’s best efforts.

A captain's performance.

Some vital interceptions from John Egan last night pic.twitter.com/UaG50PfOOl

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 25, 2020

At the Amex Stadium on Monday night, West Bromwich Albion grabbed a late equaliser against Brighton Hove Albion. Callum Robinson came off the bench to set up Karlan Grant for his first goal for the Baggies. Dara O’Shea missed the game with a suspected ankle injury.

Championship

Here's your #SkyBetChampionship Team of the Week, powered by @WhoScored ratings!#EFL pic.twitter.com/RqZQyPS9xl

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) October 26, 2020

Both James McClean and Alan Browne made the Whoscored.com ‘Team of the Week’. Michael O’Neill’s Stoke City team gained all three points after an impressive performance against Brentford. James McClean put in a man of the match display with a goal and assist as his team won 3-2. At the back, Nathan Collins continued his run in the team. He will have one eye on the Irish senior squad as we head towards the World Cup qualifiers next year.

Preston North End also enjoyed a successful Saturday afternoon thanks to an Alan Browne brace. Browne’s performance against Slovakia in Ireland’s play-off game drew some criticism after he missed a couple of crucial chances. Two goals for the Irishman was the perfect way to respond to the critics. His first goal was a well-placed finish into the corner of the net, his second a cheeky dink over the keeper with his back to goal.

Every angle of the goal that sparked the comeback yesterday!

What a finish from @Alan__Browne!

Highlights will be available later today. https://t.co/TrIjTrEoIW#pnefc pic.twitter.com/0WdPte4DzB

— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) October 25, 2020

Elsewhere in the Championship, Adam Idah saw red in Norwich City’s 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers. Blackburn Rovers thrashed Coventry City 4-0 as Irish pair Darragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams claimed a clean sheet. Williams in particular has impressed his manager Tony Mowbray so far this season.

Boss impressed with Williams' fine form#Rovers

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) October 26, 2020

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