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Celtic striker Johnny Kenny called up to Republic of Ireland squad to replace injured Troy Parrott

Johnny Kenny training with the Republic of Ireland this morning
Johnny Kenny training with the Republic of Ireland this morning

Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad to replace the injured Troy Parrott ahead of the opening World Cup qualifiers with Hungary and Armenia.

Kenny, 22, receives his maiden inclusion in a senior Ireland squad, having previously featured for the Under-21s.

He emerged onto the scene at Sligo Rovers as a teenager with a breakthrough season in 2021 which saw him score 11 goals and earn a move to Scotland.

Two loan spells at Shamrock Rovers added to his reputation and he scored his first Celtic goal at the end of the last Scottish Premiership campaign.

While he has struggled for minutes, he did find the net against Livingston last month.

The Sligo man was a surprise omission from the Hoops squad against Rangers yesterday but he did sign a new contract just two weeks ago.

1 September 2025; Johnny Kenny and Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Heimir Hallgrimsson watches his latest call-up

Parrott's injury is a major blow to Heimir Hallgrimsson as the former Tottenham Hotspur man had started his season in fine form, scoring 10 times in seven matches between European qualifiers and the league.

"Troy has been on fire from pre-season and last season as well, so it's a good step for him," Hallgrimsson said last week when asked about the forward.

"I know there was a lot of interest in him but he wanted to stay (at AZ). I really like that as he needs stability and if he continues like this, it's really good for us."

All other players reported for camp from the original squad selection.

Ireland face Hungary on Saturday at Aviva Stadium before a trip to Armenia next Tuesday.

Roma striker Evan Ferguson is likely to start the first match after a promising opening to his loan spell in Serie A from Brighton.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren).

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Johnny Kenny (Celtic).


Watch Republic of Ireland v Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1

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