Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad.
He'll link up with the squad ahead of this week's World Cup qualifiers with Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia. Last week saw manager Stephen Kenny include Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers in his panel.
Injury has ruled Travers out of the training camp, meaning Talbot gets the nod ahead of Darren Randolph.
24-year old Talbot has been in exceptional form this season, rubber-stamping his status as the best net-minder in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
With Talbot between the posts, Bohs made it to the playoff round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. In their six qualifying round matches, the former Sunderland keeper conceded just three goals.
On Sunday, he was part of the Bohemians team that beat arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Extra.ie FAI Cup.
🧤🇮🇪 Congratulations to super keeper James Talbot who has been called by Ireland manager Stephen Kenny for next week's World Cup qualifiers against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia.
❤️🖤 @jamestalbot197 pic.twitter.com/BZRIEwee91— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) August 30, 2021
It's the second time he's had to replace an absent Talbot, with Mick McCarthy making the same call in 2019.
As a result of Talbot's call-up, Bohs' SSE Airtricity Premier Division game with Derry City - scheduled for Friday (September 3) - has been postponed.
The FAI say the game will be rescheduled in due course.
Tickets went on sale for Ireland's qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Serbia on Monday.
25,000 fans will be allowed into the Aviva Stadium for each game, in line with current government guidelines.
The Azerbaijan game will mark the first Ireland match at the Aviva Stadium since November 2019 with fans present.
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