O'Leary called into Republic of Ireland squad as Bazunu withdraws

Bristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad to replace Gavin Bazunu.

First choice number one Bazunu has withdrawn from the panel due to illness, paving the way for Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher to start Saturday's friendly international against Belgium at the Aviva Stadium.

25-year-old O'Leary has made 9 appearances for Bristol City in the Championship this season. He is often understudy to captain Daniel Bentley at Ashton Gate.

Uncapped O'Leary qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his Kerry born grandfather and was last included in a squad for a training camp in Portugal back in 2019.

Kelleher, O'Leary and James Talbot are the goalkeepers in the squad.

There remains no place in Stephen Kenny's plans for West Ham's Darren Randolph, who reminded the FAI of his availability on Instagram when Talbot was drafted in to replace Mark Travers.

Republic of Ireland Squad - Belgium & Lithuania

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

Defenders: Seamus 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).