Ireland name outfield player goalkeeper after Bazunu withdraws from Israel clash

Republic of Ireland could be forced to use defender Jimmy Dunne as an emergency goalkeeper after Gavin Bazunu withdrew from their Nations League fixture against Israel.

Bazunu informed the squad that he did not want to participate in the match and later confirmed his decision in a statement, saying his personal beliefs prevented him from taking part.

His withdrawal created a goalkeeping problem for manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, with Ireland having originally selected Caoimhin Kelleher, Max O’Leary and Bazunu for the international window. Dunne was subsequently registered as an emergency goalkeeping option.

Bazunu explains decision

Bazunu said representing Ireland remained hugely important to him but that he could not take part in the fixtures against Israel.

“Representing my country means everything to me,” the goalkeeper said.

He added that his decision was based on his personal belief that the killing of innocent people was wrong and stressed that his position was not directed at Israeli people or the Jewish community.

Bazunu is also expected to miss Ireland’s second Nations League meeting with Israel on October 4 in Bačka Topola, Serbia.

Ireland squad vote to play

Bazunu’s decision triggered lengthy discussions within the Ireland camp on Saturday, with the team’s scheduled press conference and training session delayed.

The Football Association of Ireland later confirmed that the squad had voted by a significant majority to fulfil the fixture against Israel. The exact vote was not officially disclosed.

Dunne could now provide emergency cover in goal if required. The Queens Park Rangers defender has been playing primarily in his usual position at the heart of the defence.

Ireland are scheduled to face Israel at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The return fixture will be played behind closed doors in Bačka Topola on October 4.