After seven long months, Ireland will finally take to the pitch in a competitive fixture once again when they travel to take on Armenia on Saturday afternoon. It is a game that they will be expected to win by many, making some history in the process.
Despite this being the third iteration of the competition, Ireland are still searching for their first ever victory in UEFA Nations League. They avoided relegation in 2018 due to UEFA reformatting the tournament, while two draws was enough to secure their survival in the 2020 edition.
READ HERE: What Our Nations League Opponents Think Of The Republic Of Ireland
While a track record of success is lacking in this competition, Stephen Kenny is aiming his this year. He expects Ireland to challenge for promotion, meaning victory in Armenia is a must.
He has a very healthy looking squad to choose from including a couple of new faces. A number of Irish players are in excellent form heading into the fixture, something the manager should take advantage of.
With that in mind, here is the Ireland team we would like to see selected to take on Armenia.
Our Ireland team to face Armenia
GK: Gavin Bazunu
Mark Travers certainly has a case here considering his brilliant form at Bournemouth, but Gavin Bazunu's faultless performances for Ireland mean he should continue in the position for now.
His ability with his feet certainly give him the edge over Travers, while Caoimhín Kelleher has not featured enough in the second half of the season to warrant a start here.
CB: Nathan Collins
Heading into this international window, Nathan Collins is arguably Ireland's most in-form player. Despite suffering relegation, the Kildare man put in a string of remarkable performances for Burnley in recent months.
Having found himself behind the likes of Dara O'Shea and Andrew Omobamidele last year, the 21-year old now has to be considered as a first choice player in this side.
CB: Shane Duffy
Shane Duffy found playing time hard to come by at Brighton in recent months, with injury issues and more competition in the squad meaning he started only three league fixtures since the turn of the year. However, he has been remarkably consistent for Ireland.
His future at club level looks uncertain, but the Donegal man should be given the opportunity to rediscover his form during this international window.
CB: John Egan
Egan's season ended on a sour note, with Sheffield United coming up short in the play-offs against Nottingham Forest. Despite this, the defender enjoyed an excellent campaign.
The centre back old has established himself as the key man in Ireland's defensive system over the last 12 months or so, with his ability to step into midfield while in possession something that is massively important in Stephen Kenny's system.
RWB: Seamus Coleman
It has been a long and arduous season for Seamus Coleman at club level, although it did end on a high as Everton retained their status in the Premier League. He played a key part in that, rallying the side on a few occasions when they looked to be in real danger of going down.
It is likely that Stephen Kenny will use him sparingly this month, with the 33-year old unlikely to feature in all four games over the next couple of weeks. However, it makes sense to start him in the opening game of the campaign away from home.
LWB: Ryan Manning
Enda Stevens and James McClean both deserve strong consideration here, although now seems like an ideal time to give Ryan Manning an opportunity to claim a place in this team.
The Galway man was in excellent form for Swansea City this season, featuring 38 times in the league. He has never really been given a run of games at international level, despite the fact that he seems like an ideal fit in Stephen Kenny's system.
CM: Jason Knight
Jason Knight excelled under difficult circumstances at Derby County this season, with his game developing well despite the team's struggles. The Dubliner already looks like a mature midfielder, playing over 100 times at first team level despite only recently having turned 21-year old.
Knight has always impressed when playing for Ireland, and while he can play in a number of positions, a central midfield role is where is most likely to end up in the long-term.
CM: Josh Cullen
It had originally been thought that Cullen would miss this fixture due to suspension, although Stephen Kenny has confirmed that he is available for selection.
He has ben perhaps the most consistent player under the current manager and is among the first names on the team sheet.
FW: Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene is arguably the first name on Stephen Kenny's team-sheet at the moment. The 25-year old has been an absolute revelation for Ireland in recent times, putting in some incredible performances over the last 12 months.
Not only that, but he has managed to replicate that form for Rotherham over the second half of the season. The winger player a starring role as the club won the EFL Trophy and achieved promotion from League One. Some clubs from a bit higher up the footballing ladder have been keeping an eye on him as a result.
FW: Troy Parrott
Troy Parrot finished the season in tremendous form. Having struggled during the first few months of his loan spell at MK Dons, he ended the campaign with ten goals and seven assists to his name.
His late winner against Lithuania back in March could have been exactly what was needed to kickstart the player's international career, with the Spurs man providing an excellent cameo on the night. With his career now back on track, he should be given the opportunity to build on that performance.
ST: Michael Obafemi
It's been a long time coming, but Michael Obafemi is finally back in the international fold. You can't argue that he doesn't deserve it, with the striker finishing the season in remarkable form at Swansea. He scored 12 goals in his final 15 appearances in the Championship.
Obafemi offers genuine pace up front for Ireland, while his finishing ability has also come on in leaps and bounds in recent times. While this is his first time linking up with Stephen Kenny's squad, there is no reason why he shouldn't be thrown straight in at the deep end in Armenia.
Armenia v Ireland: Our Team In Full
This is certainly an exciting side, featuring a number of players who finished the season in excellent form with their clubs. In saying that, there is no shortage of competition for places.
That is a very healthy problem for Stephen Kenny to have, especially with four games coming up in quick succession. It should be an exciting month for Ireland supporters.
SEE ALSO: After A Complicated Start, Michael Obafemi Finally Has A Chance To Forge His Ireland Path
