On Thursday evening in Prague, the 24-year-old AZ Alkmaar striker will attempt to fire his country one step closer to a first World Cup finals appearance since 2002 when they head into a play-off battle with the Czech Republic at the Fortuna Arena.

Heimir Hallgrímsson has included the Kildare duo in the squad as the Republic of Ireland look to secure qualification for this summer's World Cup

On a dark day for the Irish senior football team, Michael Noonan stepped off the bench to break an Under 21 goalscoring record and offer a glimmer of hope for the future while Cathal McCarthy's meteoric rise continues 

Ireland begin their World Cup qualifying 

The defender is looking forward to teaming up with new club-mate Caoimhin Kelleher

Stephen Kenny left his role in November last year.