Bristol City goalkeeper in line for first international cap after recall to Republic of Ireland squad

Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming double header.

Ireland play two home friendlies against Belgium on March 26 (17:00) and Lithuania on March 29 (19:45) over the international break.

O’Leary, recently enjoyed a spell in the side, starting for nine Championship matches and an FA Cup defeat against Fulham.

The 25-year-old, who came through the academy system at City, has made 36 appearances for City since making his breakthrough in January 2016.

He qualifies for the Irish national team through his grandfather who was born in Kerry in the South West region of the country.

O’Leary has yet to feature for Ireland but was first called up in May 2019 and has been a part of a few of their squads.

With Gavin Bazunu, Portsmouth’s on loan goalkeeper from Manchester City pulling out, O’Leary is competing with Liverpool’s penalty hero Caoimhin Kelleher and Bohemians’ shot-stopper James Talbot for a place in the side.

O’Leary is one of two City players to be out on international duty with the in-form Andreas Weimann the other. Weimann is this evening preparing for a crucial World Cup play-off with Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The 30-year-old, who scored a brace against Cardiff City back in August will hope to replicate that feat at the same venue after earning his first recall in seven years.

“I was hoping for the call up a bit because I’m currently playing the best season of my life,” Weimann said.

“At first I was a bit disappointed to only be there on standby, but I was even happier when the team boss called me on Saturday evening and told me that I was still there.”

Semenyo’s attack partner Antoine Semenyo was due to play for the Ghana national team after changing nationality but a knee injury ruled him out.

Alex Scott, who missed the game against West Bromwich Albion, also had to withdraw from international duty.