Jimmy Dunne and James Talbot called up to Ireland squad for friendlies

Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne and Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot have been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly international matches against Belgium and Lithuania in Dublin.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers will return to his club after he picked up a minor strain and Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan has also returned to his parent club following an injury assessment on his arrival.

Dunne and Talbot will join the squad ahead of Thursday’s training session as preparations for Saturday’s FAI Centenary fixture against Belgium at the Aviva Stadium (5pm kick-off) continue.

New Irish coach John Eustace works with centre back Dunne in his position as QPR assistant manager under Mark Warburton.

Ricketts family deny racism claims after Chelsea fan unease at possible takeover

---

FAI confirms bid to host Euro 2028 alongside UK

---

Expectations are enormous for incoming Ireland coach John Eustace

---

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (Squad for friendly internationals against Belgium and Lithuania)

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Man City), James Talbot (Bohemians).

Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Dara O'Shea (West Brom), Jimmy Dunne (QPR).

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (QPR, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Brom, on loan from Brighton), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jason Knight (Derby County), Mark Sykes (Oxford United).

Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Brom), 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 Wolves).