Michael Obafemi left out for Republic of Ireland due to injuries – Stephen Kenny

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has insisted striker Michael Obafemi has been left out of his squad as a result of his anxiety over persistent injuries.

The highly-rated Nigeria-born Swansea striker made his senior debut for his country as an 18-year-old in November 2018, but fitness concerns and a lack of form since have seen him slip down the pecking order as the likes of Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah have overtaken him.

However, amid speculation that the former Southampton frontman, now 21, had rejected the opportunity of an under-21s call-up this month as the seniors prepare for friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania, manager Kenny said the reason for his absence was more prosaic.

Kenny said: “To be honest, Michael was never in the picture to be in this under-21s squad, so I’m not sure how that discussion occurred.

“He would have been considered for selection if he’d have been available. He wasn’t available for selection.

“The truth of it is that Michael has never played three games in a row before this year for his club, as far as I know.

“He’s not played three games consecutively in his career, and the reason for that really is because of his persistent hamstring troubles he’s had in his career.”

Obafemi, who joined the Swans in August last year, has managed 24 appearances to date this season and scored six times in his last nine, an encouraging return for a man whose progress Kenny is following closely.

He added: “I think there’s a degree of anxiety around Michael himself about being injured. He’s never had what he’s had before, a run of games, and he feels his load is so heavy, he’s concerned about re-injuring coming into the international team and trying to train every day and play and play again.

“He