‘Fearless’ Michael Obafemi has been backed to leave his mark on the Ireland team over the next fortnight.
The Swansea City striker, 21, is in from the cold having won his one and only cap under Martin O’Neill in late 2018.
And he caused a stir earlier this year when it was revealed he only wanted to be considered for senior international duty - not Under-21s.
Some observers could have interpreted that as an unproven player being too big for his boots.
But Obafemi can point to his goal scoring hot-streak after finishing the Championship season with 12 goals, and 11 of those in his last 19 games.
“You see from afar what he has done for Swansea, scoring a lot of goals,” said Ireland and West Brom forward Callum Robinson.
“Even when he first came three or four years ago under Martin (O’Neill), you could see the talent. He went back, grafted and he got the move to Swansea.
“He’s been able to play football and get minutes, and he has produced for Swansea and got the goals.
“Hopefully that’s another asset to our team. He’s a young player, fearless and he knows where the net is, so hopefully he can help us.”
And Robinson - who smashed five goals in two games last October - is excited about the attacking options Stephen Kenny has at his disposal.
“It’s probably been the best set of lads in the forward areas since I came into the set-up,” he added.
“Troy Parrott came on in the last game and did really well and has been doing really well for MK Dons. Chieo (Ogbene) has done amazing since he came in.
“Will Keane has done so well this season at club level, Scott Hogan the same, so we’ve got a lot of good forward options.”
Meanwhile, Ireland boss Stephen Kenny insists there will be no bedding for Obafemi as he expects the speedster to hit the ground running.
Obafemi will see game time in the games against Armenia, Ukraine and Scotland and Kenny said yesterday: “Michael is in the squad to make an impact.
“He’s been in good form and has come in with a smile on his face and is enjoying the training. It’s been a big plus for me that he’s been injury free for a good period.”
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