Stephen Kenny showed his ruthless streak by axing Shane Long just hours after David McGoldrick’s retirement rocked the Ireland camp.
Preston attacker Sean Maguire is also dropped for the England, Wales and Bulgaria games despite starting against Finland last month.
Big Luton striker James Collins is recalled for the first time under Kenny with a more direct Plan B on the cards if needed.
But Aaron Connolly will profit most from McGoldrick’s retirement as the Brighton ace is set for a central attacking role, rather than being deployed on the left.
Sheffield United star McGoldrick dropped his retirement bombshell on Wednesday and
Kenny said last night: “He was very enthusiastic (about playing for Ireland).
“He was set on retiring at the end of the campaign but I was hopeful he would play on. He made his decision and we must respect it.
“This came late for him in his career. He has 14 caps and only in the last two years has he become a Premier League player.
"And he only became a regular international in the last year. He made his decision for a lot of different reasons and some are private.
Asked if McGoldrick would answer an SOS call in the future, Kenny said: “You’ll have to ask him, you never know.”
Southampton veteran Long came off the bench three times in Kenny’s five games in charge - but is only on standby this month.
All six of his Saints appearances this season were off the bench and Kenny said: “Shane has not played a match of any description except for us.
“He has not (started) a match this year for Southampton between lockdown and the end of the season.
"Even in the Carabo Cup, the manager kept his first team so he has not been able to play in cup matches.
"Some others have not played for a shorter period of time. We know that he’s got 17 goals for Ireland and has scored important goals.
"That’s why I brought him in against Slovakia. His attitude is great and he’s on standby if we get an injury.”
Hatters hitman Collins, who scored once in his four caps under Mick McCarthy, has been handed an international lifeline.
He is not a typical Kenny striker, but the Ireland boss said: “His goalscoring record is absolutely exceptional, about 150 goals in league football.
“He scores headed goals and is an aerial threat. His movement in the box is very good so he’s a different type of player.”
And Kenny added: “Seanie Maguire hasn’t figured in Preston’s last few games and we have to view Aaron Connolly as a central striker as well.
“With David retiring, we have to look at him as a centre-forward because he’s lightning.”
