Republic of Ireland: Collins receives first call-up for triple-header as Randolph misses out

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Randolph, West Ham's goalkeeper, has not been selected for Stephen Kenny’s squad

Burnley defender Nathan Collins was called up by the Republic of Ireland for his first qualifier for the World Cup qualifier triple-header.

Darren Randolph, an experienced goalkeeper for West Ham, is out of place.

The Republic will face Portugal, Group A table-toppers in Faro on Wednesday, before playing at home against Azerbaijani and Serbia on 4 September.

Stephen Kenny's team is in dire need of points, after losing to Luxembourg and Serbia in the campaign.

Collins, who moved to Burnley from Stoke this Summer, has four Republic Under-21 caps. However, he has been drafted into Burnley's senior team for the first-time after making his Clarets debut against Newcastle on Wednesday night.

Randolph, with 50 caps, has performed well in the Republic goal in recent seasons but was overlooked by Kenny who chose Caoimhin Kelleher and Gavin Bazunu as his stoppers.

Randolph, 34 years old, has missed all the Republic's matches this season and seems to be Hammers boss David Moyes’ third-choice goalkeeper after Alphonse Areola's loan from Paris St-Germain.

Callum Robinson, West Brom's Covid-19-positive student, is also missing.

Robinson's absence is a disappointment for the Republic, as the Baggies striker began the season in fine form scoring three goals in four Championship matches.

The 26-year old had previously tested positive for Covid-19 in November. This ruled him out from the Republic's friendly with England at Wembley.

Kenny, who won his first victory as Republic boss against Andorra last June, is currently without several established internationals including Enda Stevens from Sheffield United and Callum O'Dowda of Bristol City.

Jason Knight, a Derby midfielder, and Rotherham's winger, have been ruled out. Robbie Brady (who is now a free agent having left Burnley) and James McCarthy, a Celtic midfielder, are also absent.

Callum O'Dowda, a Bristol City winger, is among many players who are out because of injury.

Jamie McGrath of St Mirren and Andrew Omobamidele, Norwich defender, keep their places in the squad. Jeff Hendrick, a Newcastle midfielder and Brighton forward, returns after missing the summer friendlies.

The Republic squad flew out to Portugal on Sunday in preparation for Wednesday's meeting with group favorites, who included Cristiano Ronaldo.

After injuring his arm during Juventus training earlier in the week, the forward of 36 years was doubtful.

Ronaldo, who is currently tied at 109 with Ali Daei, will be the world's leading international goal scorer if he scores against the Irish.

Squad Republic of Ireland

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

Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Tattenham Hotspur, Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan(Sheffield United), Dara Ol'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (“Swansea City”) James McClean ("Wigan Athletic") Andrew Omobamidele (“Norwich City”) Nathan Collins (Burnley).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Jeff Hendrick, Newcastle United, Conor Hourihane, Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath and Jayson Molumby.

Attackers: Aaron Connolly, James Collins (Brighton and Hove Albion), Daryl Horgan(Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah [Norwich City], Troy Parrott (“MK Dons”, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur], Shane Long (Southampton), Ronan Curtis—Portsmouth).