David Connolly: Michael Obafemi and Mark Travers could spur Kenny rethink

Former Republic of Ireland striker David Connolly believes Michael Obafemi and Mark Travers' recent form may well prompt a "rethink" for manager Stephen Kenny.

Swansea striker Obafemi finished the Championship in red hot form with 12 goals in his last 16 matches and has been recalled to the Boys in Green senior squad for the first time under Kenny while goalkeeper Travers excelled for a Bournemouth side which earned promotion from the English second tier.

Both players are in the squad for the four upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures but in the longer-term, Connolly believes the game-time - compared to others in their positions - and performances of both players will give the Ireland manager a good headache.

"I would love to see Michael Obafemi play down through the middle," he said.

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"Ironically I don't know why Southampton sold him because there was a little window for him there I think if they had kept with him.

"I know people might say (things) about his attitude or this or that and Stephen's trying to downplay that and I think that's right because you've got to manage all sorts of different characters.

"I think he's got something that maybe a lot of the other centre-forwards don't have. I think he's got a nice mix of everything.

"I think you can find spaces for players who have got that bit of belief. (Obafemi) believes in himself and he might have a point to prove with dropping down to Swansea, playing under a manager who plays a similar way (to Ireland).

"They try and dominate the ball, back three etc and Callum (Robinson) has done great but I just wonder, there are a few players who might be playing next season that Stephen will