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3rd June 2022
03:50pm BST
Collins, 22, was a revelation for relegated Burnley in defence under interim boss Mike Jackson during the final weeks of the season. The Kildare native was even nominated for Premier League player of the month for April. Against Lithuania in March, Collins was named man-of-the-match for Ireland.
Captain Seamus Coleman starts at right-wing-back. The 34-year-old played a vital role as Everton retained their Premier League status, making 30 appearances - his highest in seven seasons. The Donegal native has played at right centre-back to accommodate Matt Doherty. However, due to the Spurs defender's injury, Coleman starts in the wing-back role.
At left-wing-back, James McClean comes back into the side. The former Derry City player is well suited to Kenny's wing-back formation as it's a system he plays for Wigan Athletic.
The 33-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign last season as the Latics finished first in League One. McClean scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 33 appearances.
In midfield, Jeff Hendrick comes into the side to earn his 71st cap for the Boys in Green. The 30-year-old will play as a box-to-box midfielder in order to spark Ireland's attacks from the middle of the park.
The Newcastle midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Queens Park Rangers, starts alongside Josh Cullen, who was made available on Wednesday as his suspension got overturned due to a paperwork error by UEFA.
Cullen has been a mainstay for Ireland during Kenny's tenure. The addition of the 25-year-old to the starting lineup is a major boost for the Boys in Green. Cullen was a vital asset for Anderlecht last season as he made 50 appearances for Vincent Kompany's side.
Chiedozie Ogbene starts for Ireland on the right-wing. The 25-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign with Rotherham United last season as they won promotion to the Championship and claimed silverware at Wembley where they won the Papa Johns Trophy.
The Corkman is out of contract with the Millers and will be eager to impress during the Nations League campaign in hope of earning a move. Ogbene will be hopeful of building on his goal and assist against Belgium in March.
On the left-wing, Jason Knight starts for Ireland. The midfielder was a mainstay for Wayne Rooney's side last season as he scored twice and provided three assists in 38 appearances for Derby County.
The former Cabinteely midfielder will be eager to impress for the Boys in Green as Premier League clubs remain interested in signing the 21-year-old. Knight will have his sights set on playing football at a higher standard than League One next season.
Callum Robinson leads the attack for Kenny's side in Yerevan. The West Brom attacker has been Ireland's most prolific goal scorer towards the end of 2021, when he scored a hat-trick against Qatar and a brace against Azerbaijan.
Robinson scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 43 appearances for West Brom last season in the Championship. The Boys in Green will be reliant on the 27-year-olds attacking flair during the Nations League campaign.
Troy Parrott narrowly misses out after his super-sub heroics against Lithuania. The Spurs attacker, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at MK Dons, scored 10 goals last season. The 21-year-old provides Kenny a different dimension from the bench, therefore, the Dubliner will be confident of making an impact if called upon.
Here is the XI that we believe Kenny should pick for Saturday's match against Armenia.
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