Fluctuating form adds intrigue to Irish forward options

When the full-time whistle blew after Ireland's 3-0 win over Scotland in June, there was a sense that an exciting strike partnership was brewing between Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi.

Both scored in that UEFA Nations League fixture but just as significantly was the way the two players dovetailed especially in the build-up to Parrott's headed goal in the game.

Unfortunately for Stephen Kenny, Obafemi was not available for the following game against Ukraine due to an injury picked up against the Scots.

And since the new Championship season began, neither player has got going on the goalscoring front with two goals between them in all competitions - Obafemi partially due to being left out of Swansea's squad in recent weeks until a cameo against Hull at the weekend and Parrott being part of a Preston team that have been struggling for goals.

Callum Robinson, the spark for Ireland last Autumn, is also in the squad, albeit without a club goal so far this season. Adam Idah, a player clearly valued by the Ireland manager, is absent through injury once again, Will Keane is not involved this time and Aaron Connolly is with the Under-21s.

However, other forwards in the squad for the upcoming fixtures against Scotland and Armenia are in good form.

Chiedozie Ogbene has been moved up front for Rotherham United and has responded with five goals in 11 matches, while Scott Hogan scored a hat-trick against West Brom last week to take his Championship tally to five.

But how will Kenny settle on a first-choice front two - or three in the event he reverts to a system not used since the defeat in Armenia - for the upcoming games? His former Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers had his say on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

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