Republic of Ireland: Uncapped Bristol City keeper O'Leary replaces ill Bazunu
- Published
Max O'Leary has made 36 appearances from Bristol City since making his debut in 2016
Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad due to illness and has been replaced by uncapped keeper Max O'Leary.
Bristol City stopper O'Leary last received a Republic call-up in May 2019 for a training camp in Portugal.
The 26-year-old has made 11 appearances for Bristol City in the Championship this season.
The Republic host Belgium in the FAI Centenary game on Saturday before taking on Lithuania three days later.
O'Leary, who qualifies for Ireland through his Kerry-born grandfather, will link up with the squad ahead of Thursday's training session.
Portsmouth's Bazunu is the latest withdrawal from Stephen Kenny's squad with Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers and Blackburn defender Darragh Lenihan having already pulled out with injuries.
Bazunu's absence means Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher looks likely to start against the world's top-ranked team on Saturday evening.
Uncapped Bohemians keeper James Talbot and QPR defender Jimmy Dunne have already been drafted in for the double-header of friendlies in Dublin.
Shane Duffy says he has "got a smile back on my face again" after a difficult loan spell at Celtic last season
Duffy back in form after Celtic loan 'low'
Brighton defender Shane Duffy looks likely to start on Saturday after regaining the form which made him a stalwart for the Irish.
The Derryman has been a regular for the Seagulls this season after a difficult loan spell at Celtic last year.
"If you speak to the majority of footballers, there are low points in your career, and that was mine," said Duffy on Thursday.
"You've just got to have the mental strength to come out of it and bounce back and believe in your ability, and that's what I've done.
"I've knuckled down and I've got a smile back on my face, I'm enjoying it again."
Duffy is one of the senior members of a new-look Ireland team which is gradually starting to take shape under manager Kenny.
"In the last few games, we've had a bit of continuity in the team and it's worked.
"The trust is there - we had a camp last summer in Spain and from that moment on, it's been similar squads and the same players."
Republic squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), James Talbot (Bohemians), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), 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), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers).
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (QPR, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jason Knight (Derby County), Mark Sykes (Oxford United).
Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), 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 Wolverhampton Wanderers).