Hatters forward Collins could start for Ireland with Connolly an injury doubt

Luton striker James Collins is in with a shout of starting for the Republic of Ireland when they host Luxembourg in their latest World Cup qualifier in Dublin this evening.

The 30-year-old came on for the final 10 minutes of the 3-2 defeat out in Serbia on Wednesday evening, netting what turned out to be a consolation in a 3-2 defeat, his second international goal.

With forward Aaron Connolly, himself an ex-Luton loanee, rated doubtful after suffering a foot injury in Belgrade, forced off in the 67th minute, Collins could be in line to replace the Brighton youngster, as boss Stephen Kenny said: “Aaron is very doubtful with a foot injury, it's an impact injury, so he's struggling.

“We’ll have to see how he is, see how he goes, he's up against it.

“I was quite pleased that they were both (Collins and fellow sub Shane Long) involved in the goal (against Serbia), we've got good options and I'm pleased with the options that we have.”

Meanwhile, Luton team-mate Joe Morrell will be hoping for another outing for Wales as they host Mexico in a friendly in Cardiff tonight, although Simon Sluga is expected to be on the bench once more when Croatia entertain Cyprus in their latest World Cup qualifier.