Caoimhín Kelleher gets opportunity to usurp injured Gavin Bazunu

Gavin Bazunu has been ruled out of Ireland’s remaining Nations League fixtures in June with a back injury. Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot has been called up as cover behind Caoimhín Kelleher, who started Saturday’s disastrous 1-0 loss to Armenia in Yerevan, and Bournemouth’s Mark Travers.

Kelleher is set to win his sixth cap against Ukraine on Wednesday at the Aviva stadium, with the Liverpool reserve goalkeeper primed for a sustained run in the national side.

Bazunu, who has returned to Manchester City, featured in the session conducted by Ireland goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely at the Republican Stadium on Friday evening but was a notable absence from the pre-match warm-up.

The 20 year-old broke into Stephen Kenny’s team for another infamous loss, at home to Luxembourg in March 2021, quickly cementing his place as first after some stunning saves at home to Serbia and away to Luxembourg last year.

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An injury last season to Kelleher initially gave Travers the chance to stake a claim, away to Serbia, but Bazunu’s back issues coupled with Kelleher’s run for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup makes it a straightforward decision for Kenny this week.

Elsewhere, relegated Norwich City have given Andrew Omobamidele a four year contract. The Leixlip teenager impressed for Ireland last year before a back injury prematurely ended his debut season in the Premier League.

“He is a young player who has got an awful lot of potential,” said Norwich manager Dean Smith. “Unfortunately, we have been robbed of him this season. He only managed to play in one game for me against Tottenham and he showed signs of what he can become.

“I am really looking forward to working with him. He has got through his injury problems now and things are looking up for him. He can be very good. He is quick, he is a good defender and he is calm on the ball. He is good in both boxes, as you saw with his header against Leeds. He really does go an attack the ball and he can be a goal scoring centre-half for us.”

Omobamidele is unavailable for Ireland’s two matches against Ukraine, the away leg being held in Lodz, Poland on June 14th, and Scotland’s visit to the Aviva stadium on Saturday.

Nathan Collins, another Irish centre half relegated from the Premier League with Burnley, is expected to retain his position in the team following an impressive showing against Armenia.

“Overall it wasn’t good enough,” said Collins of defeat in Yerevan. “We can improve everything. Everything could have been better but on another day one of those goals goes in and we are having a different conversation.”

Ukraine come to Dublin on a low after losing 1-0 to Wales on Sunday in the play-off to join a Pool including England, Iran and USA at this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.