A whirlwind season for James Talbot delivered another huge breakthrough this evening as the Bohemians goalkeeper was drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Following an injury to Mark Travers, manager Mick McCarthy has also drafted in Bristol City's Max O'Leary to join Darren Randolph and Sean McDermott for the training camp in Portugal that runs until Tuesday.
Bristol City stopper O'Leary, 22, who qualifies for Ireland through his Kerry-born grandfather, has joined up with the squad and underwent his first training session on Saturday afternoon.
SSE Airtricity League/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the month for April, Talbot signed for the Gypsies after spending five years at Sunderland.
More than likely prepared for a period on the bench behind Shane Supple, the former Home Farm player was thrust into the first team following Supple's retirement.
"We've had a couple of injuries to goalkeepers and Caoimhin Kelleher is going to the Toulon Tournament with the Under-21s, so we've brought in James Talbot due to his recent form with Bohemians," said McCarthy, who has attended several Airtricity League matches since replacing Martin O'Neill last year.
"Our goalkeeping coach, Alan Kelly, had been keeping an eye on the lad and he has done very well. We are happy to release him to play for his club. I've spoken to Keith Long and he's been very supportive. And he's delighted for James."
Talbot will be released for his club games against Finn Harps (Friday, 31 May) and UCD (Saturday, 8 June) before linking back in with the Ireland set-up.
"We understand it's an important time for Bohemians but equally this is a great opportunity for James to come in with us."
O'Leary is currently going through the process of becoming eligible for competitive games, so he will not be available for the Denmark and Gibraltar games.
"Max is in the process of getting his passport, so that is taking its time. But this is a good opportunity to have a look at him and for him to meet up with the lads," said McCarthy.
"He's had a very good season with Bristol City and was very keen to do what he needed to become eligible for us, so we will take a close look at him in training and leave the process of getting its passport up to our International Department.
"Max will give us another option at goalkeeper and he gets the chance to train alongside Darren [Randolph] and Sean [McDermott], and work with our goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly, for a few days in a great complex in Portugal."
