Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has outlined the attributes of new recruit Will Keane ahead of next week's World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan.
The Wigan Athletic striker was named in the squad, which was announced earlier today, ahead of the double-header, away in Baku and the home tie against World Cup hosts Qatar.
Keane's inclusion was the only real surprise in the 26-man squad, while Sheffield United left-back Enda Stevens, Derby County midfielder Jason Knight and Rotherham United winger Chiedozie Ogbene all return after injury ruled the trio out of the September matches.
Captain Seamus Coleman and defender Dara O'Shea are both ruled out through injury as Cyrus Christie retains his place in the squad, having been called up for the 1-1 draw against Serbia.
Keane came through the ranks at Manchester United alongside twin brother Michael, and while Will played underage international football for England, he changed allegiances and declared for the Republic of Ireland a number of years ago.
By contrast, Michael, initially played Under-17 and Under-19 levels with Ireland before going back to the country of his birth, and was capped at senior level with England.
Now 28, Will Keane moved from Manchester United to Hull, before taking residence at Wigan via Ipswich in 2020.
"Will has had a consistent run of games this year, he’s probably having one of his best seasons," said Kenny, speaking to the media at the FAI headquarters.
He can score headed goals and different types of goals, so he's having a good season so far
"I’ve been to see quite a bit of him, he links the play very well. He plays as a second striker at Wigan, leads the line quite well, has an appreciation of players around him, has a good weight of pass and good vision.
"He can score headed goals and different types of goals, so he’s having a good season so far."
Ireland have perennially struggled in the goalscoring department since the retirement of Robbie Keane, and while Kenny was not suggesting that the record goalscorer's namesake Will was the answer in that area of attack, he said that he was looking forward to working with him in camp this week and adds to the attacking unit in the squad.
"He’s a good option for us, so we’re looking forward to getting him in this week and working with him at close quarters," said Kenny.
"It’s his first introduction to the Irish international team and we’re looking forward to working with him."
Since the brothers Keane showed allegiances to both Ireland and England over a decade ago, others have travelled the same path, most notably Jack Grealish and Declan Rice in recent years.
And while Keane had already begun the process of declaring for Ireland before Kenny took over the national side, the manager said that he has spoken to the new addition and has enjoyed a good chat with him ahead of his inclusion in the squad.
"To be fair it is not something I initiated, Will has been qualified for the last number of years," said Kenny, when asked about the communication with the player in relation to players with dual nationality.
"I did have a conversation with him after one of the games. I met him recently and earlier in the season we had a good chat.
"His form has been consistent. I think he had injuries in the last couple of years and wasn’t playing consistently.
"He is good to watch, a very clever player, good awareness, good touch. He is an intelligent footballer and seems to be enjoying his football at Wigan and doing well.
"It is League One, admittedly, but every time we have gone to see him he has been impressive."
Republic of Ireland Squad v Azerbaijan / v Qatar
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jason Knight (Derby County).
Attackers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United).
