Republic of Ireland call up teenage goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu for World Cup qualifiers
Gavin Bazunu, 19, joined Manchester City from Shamrock Rovers in 2019 and has spent this season on loan at Rochdale; Uncapped Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher also called up for start of 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign
Thursday 18 March 2021 18:55, UK
Teenage goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has been called up by the Republic of Ireland for the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has named four goalkeepers in his squad, including uncapped Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher who is currently working his way back from abdominal tear.
With Darren Randolph already ruled out, Kelleher or Bazunu could be in line for a senior debut in Belgrade on March 24.
Bazunu, who turned 19 last month, has made 30 appearances for Rochdale this season while on loan from Manchester City.
Live World Cup Qualifier
Brighton striker Aaron Connolly will be assessed when the squad meets up in Manchester on Sunday and there is a first senior call-up under Kenny for Tottenham frontman Troy Parrott, who scored his first goal for Ipswich Town last weekend.
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Stoke midfielder James McClean is included after recovering from a foot injury while there is a return for experienced striker Shane Long, with Norwich's Adam Idah facing the possibility of hernia surgery.
After beginning their Group A campaign against Serbia, Ireland face Luxembourg in Dublin on March 27 and close the international window with a friendly against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in Debrecen, Hungary on March 30.
Kenny is still searching for his first win as Ireland boss after eight games in charge, while his side have failed to score in their last seven matches.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers, Kieran O'Hara
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Shane Duffy, Enda Stevens, Kevin Long, Ciaran Clark, Dara O'Shea, Ryan Manning, Cyrus Christie
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane, Alan Browne, Jeff Hendrick, Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen
Forwards: Robbie Brady, James McClean, Daryl Horgan, Ronan Curtis, Callum O'Dowda, Callum Robinson, Aaron Connolly, Shane Long, James Collins, Troy Parrott.
