Bristol City player called up for Ireland duty - Cardiff City winger chosen over Mark Sykes

Bristol City second choice goalkeeper Max O’Leary has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their double header next week.

Ireland play Scotland on September 24 before hosting Armenia three days later on September 27 in what are their final two matches of their UEFA Nations League campaign. They trail Ukraine and Scotland by three and two-point deficits with both with a game to play.

Stephen Kenny has included the Robins goalkeeper as his third choice keeper, where he is likely to provide cover for Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu and Mark Travers of Bournemouth.

He is yet to make an appearance for Ireland, who he qualifies for through his Kerry-born grandfather, but remains an option to call upon in the goalkeeping department.

The Bath-born goalkeeper joins Antoine Semenyo, Andi Weimann and Tommy Conway as the City players who will head out for international duty over the next fortnight.

Despite starting the season well and being the first-choice right wing-back for City, Mark Sykes misses out on a call-up on this occasion.

O’Leary hasn’t played a minute of action in the Championship or the Carabao Cup this season, but did play the entirety of an Under-21’s match against Sheffield Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has been an understudy to Daniel Bentley this season and now faces competition for his spot after summer signing Stefan Bajic returned to fitness.

O’Leary had been linked with a loan move away this summer but remained as Bajic recovered from surgery on his wrist.

He is entering the last year of his contract at City having come through the academy system at the club in 2013.

The shot-stopper will be joined in the squad by former City winger Callum O’Dowda, who returns to the squad after an injury last year whilst at Ashton Gate.

O’Dowda joined Severnside rivals Cardiff City and is an early success in South Wales with two goals and two assists in the seven matches he’s played for the Bluebirds.

Goalkeepers: Bazunu, Travers, O’Leary

Defenders: Coleman, Doherty, Duffy, Egan, Collins, Omobamidele, O’Shea, McLean, Brady

Midfielders: Cullen, Hendrick, Knight, Browne, Molumby, Hourihane,

Forwards: Ogbene, Obafemi, Parrott, Hogan, O’Dowda, Robinson.