Callum Robinson and Adam Idah start against Azerbaijan

Aaron Connolly has been dropped for this evening's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Olympic stadium in Baku as Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny turns to his former Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan.

Horgan, who now plays for Wycombe Wanderers in the English third tier, has replaced the Brighton striker in an attack minded side that also includes Callum Robinson and Adam Idah, who has recovered from a fever.

Jason Knight, however, was unable to shake off the high temperature that had both 20 year olds confined to their hotel rooms until last night.

Kenny appears to be sticking to the 3-4-2-1 system that worked so well in the 2-1 loss in Portugal last month with Jamie McGrath also dropping to the bench as James McClean holds off Enda Stevens at left wing back.

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Backed into a corner, Kenny’s Ireland need to strike out with purpose in Baku

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John Egan defends Callum Robinson’s decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19

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John Egan captains the side in the absence of the hamstrung Seamus Coleman.

Ireland: Bazunu; Omobamidele, Duffy, Egan; Doherty, Cullen, Hendrick, McClean; Robinson, Horgan; Idah.