Gavin Bazunu included in Ireland squad as Kenny names four goalkeepers who between them have four senior caps

Gavin Bazunu has been named in a senior Ireland squad for the first time

Gavin Bazunu has been named in a senior Ireland squad for the first time Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

With Darren Randolph injured, Stephen Kenny has called four young goalkeepers into his Republic of Ireland international squad – between them they have played just four senior internationals.

Uncapped Caoimhin Kelleher (22) is still an injury concern and Kenny has also included Mark Travers (21) and Kieran O’Hara (24) who have both played for Ireland twice. 

Gavin Bazunu (19) has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time as Ireland face World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg (and a friendly against Qatar) later this month.

“I can see how people would be concerned about a lack of experience,” said Stephen Kenny at Thursday’s press conference.

“I understand that. Darren Randolph in the seven competitive games that he has played for me has conceded just four goals. He has been a very consistent player for Ireland. 

“Caoimhin has an abdominal tear but we have till next Wednesday till the game. He’ll join up with the squad when we meet in Manchester and we’ll assess him.

"He’ll join up with the squad when we meet in Manchester and we’ll assess him.

"He has played ten under-21 internationals for me. He was brilliant. He has played five games for Liverpool this year including a couple of Champions League games. He is used to big games so it won’t be an issue for him.

“Mark Travers is the next one in. He has played for Ireland already and had a decent spell at Swindon. Kieran has been in the squad before. Gavin is a brilliant young prospect.”

Bazunu is currently lining out with League One side Rochdale where the Ireland under-21 international is on loan from Manchester City. In 2018, as a 16-year-old the Dubliner played four league games for Shamrock Rovers (without conceding a goal) and two Europa League qualifiers marking him out as an exceptional talent.



He was signed by Manchester City in 2019 for a transfer fee of €0.5m.

He has played 27 times in League One this season with a Rochdale side that is currently sitting second from bottom. However, Bazunu has been making eye catching saves and won the club’s player of the month award for February.

Republic of Ireland squad - Serbia, Luxembourg & Qatar

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Kieran O'Hara (Burton Albion).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest).

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Swansea City, on loan from Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (Preston North End, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht).

Wingers: Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McClean (Stoke City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City).

Strikers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Shane Long (AFC Bournemouth, on loan from Southampton), James Collins (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Ipswich Town, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).

 

 



 

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile