skip to main content

James Talbot added to Ireland squad as Gavin Bazunu is forced out with back injury

James Talbot (L) with Seamus Coleman
James Talbot (L) with Seamus Coleman

Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland after Gavin Bazunu was forced to withdraw from the squad with a back injury.

Manchester City goalkeeper Bazunu, who spent last season on loan at Sky Bet League One Portsmouth, missed Saturday's 1-0 loss to Armenia.

Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher deputised in Yerevan, with Bournemouth’s Mark Travers providing the back-up.

It was Carabao Cup-winner Kelleher's third successive start for the national team as Bazunu sat out March's friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania through illness.

Talbot reported for camp ahead of Monday's training session at the FAI National Training Centre.

Ireland will face Ukraine at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday before the Scotland match on Saturday. They will then fly to Lodz, Poland to take on Ukraine on Tuesday week.

Kenny has said that the side must recover from that shock loss to Armenia at the weekend.

"We’ve got to dust ourselves down, we’ve got a tough gamer with Ukraine on Wednesday. That’s the way it is, that’s nature of the Nations League.

"Four games, so we can't dwell on it. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and go again.

"We have made life difficult for ourselves so the only way to bounce back from defeat is to win the next game and that is what we have to try to do."

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), James Talbot (Bohemians).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), 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), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jason Knight (Derby County).

Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), CJ Hamilton (Blackpool), Festy Ebosele (Derby County).

Read Next