Nathan Collins and Michael Obafemi ruled out of Stephen Kenny's under-21 squad with injury

Nathan Collins and Michael Obafemi have been ruled out of Stephen Kenny’s under-21 squad ahead of the upcoming qualifiers against both Armenia and Sweden.

Former UCD winger Simon Power and Southampton defender Kameron Ledwidge have been drafted in in place of the injured duo.

Power, once of the Cabinteely underage set-up and Premier Division UCD is currently on loan at Scottish Premier League Ross County from Premier League Norwich City.

The Greystones native played a part in the Toulon Tournament, playing against the likes of China, Bahrain and Brazil – where he came on from the bench on all three occasions.

Ledwidge on the other hand played a part in Tom Mohan’s under-19 squad that reached the semi-finals with a skeleton squad.

Currently playing his trade at Southampton, Ledwidge has impressed Kenny enough to earn a call-up to the squad.

Following the withdrawal of Obafemi due to injury, the full-back will be the only Southampton representation in the Ireland under-21 squad.

The Boys in Green will face Armenia on Friday evening at Tallaght Stadium before travelling to Scandinavia to face Sweden on Tuesday week.  

UpdatedRepublic of Ireland U-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City).



Defenders: Danny McNamara (Newport County, on loan from Millwall), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Masterson (QPR), Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Liam Scales (UCD AFC), Kameron Ledwidge (Southampton).

Centre Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Millwall, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Cheltenham Town, on loan from Aston Villa).

Attacking Midfielders: Jack Taylor (Barnet), Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians), Gavin Kilkenny (AFC Bournemouth), Zack Elbouzedi (Waterford), Simon Power (Ross County).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur).