Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming international friendlies through illness.
The shot-stopper, who has excelled on loan at League One club Portsmouth this season, has withdrawn from the squad a little over 48 hours ahead of Saturday's clash with Belgium. Stephen Kenny's side will welcome the European giants to the Aviva Stadium looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Lithuania will then visit the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday evening. However, Bazunu will play no part in the two friendlies.
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The former Shamrock Rovers man has established himself as Ireland's No.1 this term. He has made six appearances for his country since leaving City on loan last summer and famously saved a penalty to deny Cristiano Ronaldo in Ireland's narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal back in September.
A statement released by the Irish FA said: "Illness has forced Portsmouth goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to withdraw as [Max] O'Leary joins Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Bohemians stopper James Talbot in Stephen Kenny's squad."
Bazunu's departure from the squad means that Kelleher, who helped Liverpool win the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea last month, will deputise as first-choice goalkeeper. The 23-year-old has earned two caps for Ireland so far, keeping clean sheets on both occasions.
Whilst Bazunu will be disappointed to have been forced to withdraw from the squad, his loan spell away from the Etihad Stadium has been hugely successful this season. Recently, Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley waxed lyrical about the 20-year-old.
"He hasn't [had to make many saves all season]," said Cowley. "You look at the stats, he hasn't, but he did today and he made some good ones. He's a top goalkeeper. He's the best I've ever worked with."
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