Andrew Omobamidele has been left out of the finalised Republic of Ireland squad to play France tonight.
Stephen Kenny has named his 23-man match-day squad with Omobamidele left out of the match day squad. As Ireland have been hammered with injuries.
Ireland take on the FIFA 2022 World Cup finalists at the Parc des Princes tonight at 7.45pm (8.45pm local time).
Stephen Kenny's side will be looking to avoid two defeats against the opposition after their narrow 1-0 defeat against France in March. After, Mike Maignon denied Nathan Collins' brilliant header in the final moments.
"I don't look at it like that (in terms of being unlucky)” explained Kenny. His team hampered by injuries.
“I'm very privileged to manage the Ireland team, I always have been. We're obviously missing a number of players, five attacking players in particular, Michael Obafemi, Evan Ferguson, Callum Robinson, Troy Parrott and Mikey Johnston”.
"But, it gives other players the opportunity to play and that must be embraced. Over the last few years, we've given 18 players their debut and because of that, we've got an extended pool of players to pick from and one of them can now step up”.
"We're excited about the game, some people don't give us much of a chance but we've got a firm belief in ourselves and we give ourselves every chance."
French home flair
However, Kenny’s side are up against World runners-up France. France have lost just one of their last 23 European Championship qualifying matches (W18 D4). A 2-0 away defeat at Turkey in June 2019.
Their last home defeat was against Belarus in September 2010, winning nine and drawing two on home soil since.
Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of both matches against France and the Netherlands following assessment from the Ireland medical team.
Matt Doherty is suspended for the France fixture but will be available for the Netherlands match on Sunday.
John Egan, suffered a knock whilst in action for Sheffield United at the weekend, but has been confirmed fit to play. Whereas, Caoimhin Kelleher sat out the final training session before the match. Whereas, Caoimhin Kelleher sat out the final training session before the match.
France v Republic of Ireland
UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying
Thursday, September 7
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, Kick-off: 7.45pm (8.45pm local time)
Referee: Urs Schnyder (SUI)
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Stoke City, on loan from AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Enda Stevens (Stoke City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), James McClean (Wrexham), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Preston North End), Aaron Connolly (Hull City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town).
