The complex Michael Obafemi issue explained and the agreement in place between Swansea City and Ireland

Michael Obafemi endured a tough start to life at Swansea City.

The striker joined the Swans from Southampton on transfer deadline day last summer but desperately struggled to impress the current coaching staff. Such were his struggles, Obafemi found himself in and out of the team, with the 4-0 loss to Bournemouth in November serving as a pivotal moment for the forward after he was dropped from the squad altogether.

But following a tough festive period, Russell Martin saw signs that Obafemi was close to turning the corner. Since netting the winner against Blackburn Rovers on February 5, the frontman bagged six goals in nine outings for the Swans having only scored once in his first 15 appearances in all competitions for the club.

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He was expected to be included in the Republic of Ireland squad for their contests with Belgium and Lithuania, although there were suggestions that he snubbed a call-up from his country's under-21s, something senior boss Stephen Kenny denied. And Kenny has confirmed the 21-year-old's continuous concerns over hamstring injuries ensured he was left out of the Irish double-header in Dublin.

"To be honest, Michael was never in the picture to be in this under-21s squad," said Kenny. "I went to Swansea v Bristol City, Cyrus [Christie] scored, Michael scored and I spoke to Michael after the game and I had a good conversation with him this week.

"He would have been considered if he was available. He wasn't available for selection. The truth of it is, Michael has never played three games in a row before this year for his club. He's not played three games consecutively in his