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Published 18:41 4 Sept 2023 BST
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Kenny reportedly needs to claim two points in Ireland's next two games to save his job. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Dara O'Shea has started all of Burnley's Premier League games so far this season. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
4. Dara O'Shea:
One of Ireland's most consistent performers since coming in to make his debut in 2020, the Dublin man earned himself a Premier League move to Vincent Kompany's Burnley over the summer. Comfortable in build-up and resolute in defence, there is a reason why O'Shea is one of Ireland's few regular Premier League starters.
5. Nathan Collins:
Another one of Ireland's rare Premier League starters, Collins grabbed an assist for Brentford in their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend. Already a talismanic figure at the heart of the Irish backline, there is no other option than to pick the 22-year-old.
6. Andrew Omobamidele:
Fresh off the back of securing a deadline day move to Nottingham Forest, Omobamidele was a late addition to Kenny's squad following an injury to Sheffield United's John Egan. Like O'Shea and Collins, he possesses a superb range of passing, and would be the more adventurous selection over veteran Shane Duffy.
7. Josh Cullen:
Ireland's most technically assured midfielder, Cullen is the only option at the base of the Irish midfield. Acting as the launchpad for so much of Ireland's attacks, the Burnley man has been ever-present since Stephen Kenny took the reigns in 2020.
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Jayson Molumby was Ireland's standout performer against France back in March. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
8. Jayson Molumby:
Ireland's man-of-the-match in the reverse fixture against France back in March, the West Brom player makes up for Josh Cullen's lack of athleticism in midfield. All action and running from first minute till last, Molumby and Cullen have formed a decent pairing in recent outings.
9. Will Smallbone:
Bringing the creativity to this Ireland side, Smallbone is tasked with feeding the prodigal Evan Ferguson with enough goal-scoring opportunities to make a difference. Given that Kenny rarely deploys out-and-out wingers, the Southampton player will be burdened even further as Ireland look for an attacking spark.
10. Evan Ferguson:
First name on the team sheet, and still just 18 years of age. What can be said that hasn't already about the Brighton forward. Having just notched his first Premier League hat-trick, the stage couldn't be bigger as he looks to make his mark on the international scene too.
11: Aaron Connolly:
With Michael Obafemi out injured with a torn hamstring, and Chiedozie Ogbene failing to gain any meaningful minutes at Luton, Stephen Kenny should opt to reintegrate the frozen-out figure of Hull City's Aaron Connolly. Scoring three goals in five games for the Tigers so far this season, it appears the 23-year-old may finally have rekindled the form that saw him burst onto the scene for Brighton before the pandemic.
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