Soccer

Gavin Bazunu out of Ireland friendlies due to illness

Goalkeeper has been replaced in the squad by Bristol City’s Max O’Leary

Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the squad due to illness. Photo: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Thu Mar 24 2022 - 10:39

Gavin Bazunu has been forced to withdraw from the Ireland squad for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania due to illness.

Stephen Kenny’s first choice goalkeeper has been replaced in the squad by Bristol City’s Max O’Leary.

The absence of Bazunu will likely mean that Caoimhín Kelleher gets his chance to start against Belgium on Saturday after some recent impressive performances for Liverpool.

The 26-year-old O’Leary comes into the squad for the first time since May 2019 having qualified to play for Ireland through his Kerry-born grandfather.

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He has made 11 appearances for Bristol City this season with the club currently 18th in the Championship.

Republic of Ireland squad to face Belgium and Lithuania

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), James Talbot (Bohemians), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).

Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers).

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (QPR, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jason Knight (Derby County), Mark Sykes (Oxford United).

Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Connor Ronan (St. Mirren, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers).