Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot gets Ireland call-up for World Cup qualifiers

Bournemouth’s Mark Travers ruled out of the three matches through illness

Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot has been called up to the senior Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia.

Talbot comes into the squad to replace Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers who has been ruled out of the three matches through illness.

The FAI had earlier announced that Bohemians’ league game at home to Derry City on Friday next would be rescheduled due to international call-ups.

Stephen Kenny’s squad have assembled in Faro for Wednesday night’s game against Portugal at the Estadio Algarve, which kicks off at 7.45pm Irish time.

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They will then return to Dublin for the qualifiers against Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday (5pm) and Serbia on Tuesday (7.45pm).

A relaxation of Government guidelines means 25,000 fans can attend the two games, with the FAI announcing that tickets remain at 2019 prices, starting from €30. They will go on general sale from 11pm on Monday night at www.fai.ie/tickets.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth), James Talbot (Bohemians)

Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley)

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Forwards: Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons), Shane Long (Southampton), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth).