Loton Town striker James Collins has been named in the Ireland squad for the international games against England, Wales and Bulgaria.

The center forward has scored five times for his club this season, scoring the only goal of the game in Luton’s 1-0 win over Rootharm on Wednesday night.

Collins was regularly called up during Mick McCarthy’s reign, however, and Stephen Kenny was the first to include a striker in the squad.

Since Kenny took over as Ireland manager, he has scored just one goal in five games. The manager needs to fill a gap left by David McGoldrick.

Kenny has been named in the 26 – man squad for the upcoming friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on Thursday 12 November, and the UEFA Nations League match in Wales next Sunday.

Ireland welcomes Bulgaria to Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, November 18 for the third match of the International Window.

Captain Seamus Coleman returns to the squad due to injury, while Portsmouth striker Ronan Curtis and Wycombe Wanderers winger Daryl Horgan put in their best performances in the UEFA Nations League match against Finland in October.

Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne will link Wales to the team ahead of the UEFA Nations League match.

The team will face London in London on Sunday, November 8, ahead of the international friendly against England.

Squad of the Republic of Ireland

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Cavon Hein Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Shane Duffy (borrowed from Celtic, Brighton, Howe Albion), Joan Shia (West Bromwich Albion).

Midfielders: Connor Harry Rhine (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Brown (Preston North End), Jason Molombi (Brighton, Howe) Brady (Burnley), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers).

Forwards: Time Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Time Oda Dowda (Bristol City), James McLean (Stoke City), Aaron Connolly (Brighton, Howe Albion), Adam Ida (Norwich City), James Collins (Loughton Town) Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Daryl Jorgan (Wycombe Wanderers).