Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot was tonight drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad.
The ex-Sunderland man is on fire this season and answers Mick McCarthy’s SOS call following injury to Mark Travers on Wednesday.
Talbot, 22, will provide cover for Darren Randolph and Sean McDermott in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar.
But he won’t be joining the squad at their training camp in Portugal and will instead link up with the national team in Dublin on Tuesday.
Talbot will be released for the Gypsies league game against Finn Harps next Friday before rejoining the Irish squad. Bohs game away to UCD on June 8 was already postponed due to three UCD players getting call-ups to the Irish U21s for the Toulon Tournament.
McCarthy said: “We've had a couple of injuries to goalkeepers and Caoimhin Kelleher is going to the Toulon Tournament with the Under-21s.
“We've brought in James Talbot due to his recent form with Bohemians. Our goalkeeping coach, Alan Kelly, was keeping an eye on the lad and he’s done very well.”
Kelly was at Dalymount Park for Bohs' recent defeat to Dundalk and this week urged Talbot to keep doing what he is doing.
McCarthy continued: “We’re happy to release him to play for his club. I've spoken to Keith Long and he's been very supportive and he's delighted for James.
"We understand it's an important time for Bohemians but equally this is a great opportunity for James to come in with us."
Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary has also been drafted into the squad but he is not eligible for competitive games.
O’Leary qualified through his Kerry-born grandfather and has joined the squad for training in Portugal.
“Max is in the process of getting his passport, but this is a good opportunity to have a look at him,” said McCarthy.
“He's had a very good season and was keen to do what he needed to become eligible for us, so we’ll take a close look at him.”
Established goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and Manchester United youngster Kieran O’Hara are both injured an unavailable.
Rob Elliott’s lack of games at Newcastle - having fallen down the pecking order after a serious knee injury - counted against him.
Bournemouth’s rising star Travers suffered a displaced fracture of his thumb in Portugal this week and is out of both Euro qualifiers.
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
