Gavin Bazunu back in Republic of Ireland squad for Bulgaria play-off as Watford pair receive first senior call-ups

Heimir Hallgrimsson has recalled goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to his squad ahead of next week’s Nations League play-off against Bulgaria; Watford duo James Abankwah and Rocco Vata receive first senior call-ups for two-legged promotion/relegation showdown

Thursday 13 March 2025 18:31, UK

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has recalled goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to his squad ahead of next week’s Nations League play-off against Bulgaria.

The 23-year-old Southampton player, who is currently on loan with Belgian side Standard Liege, had established himself as Ireland's No 1 under previous boss Stephen Kenny but has not played for his country since March last year after suffering a serious Achilles injury.

He will renew his battle with Liverpool's Caoimhín Kelleher for a place in the team as Hallgrimsson gets a first chance to assess him.

Hallgrimsson said: "Max O'Leary and his spouse are expecting a kid really soon, so me and him decided that it's better for him to take this camp off, a kind of joint decision on that one.

"Some things are more important in life than football, and family is definitely one of those.

"It gives us a chance to call in Gavin Bazunu. I gave him a call a week back or something and asked if he would be ready to come in, and he was really excited."

Hallgrimsson has handed first senior call-ups to Watford duo James Abankwah and Rocco Vata in a 23-man party for next week's two-legged promotion/relegation showdown.

Defender Abankwah, 21, is currently on loan at Vicarage Road from Udinese, while 19-year-old frontman Vata has three Sky Bet Championship goals to his name to date this season.

They are joined by 27-year-old QPR defender Jimmy Dunne, who will hope for a senior debut, and Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong, who returns for the first time since winning a surprise cap as a late substitute in a Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands in September 2023.

Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is back following his return to action after a hamstring injury, while Bristol City's Mark Sykes also gets the nod for the first time under Hallgrimsson.

Ireland, who finished third behind England and Greece in League B2, travel to Plovdiv on March 20 and then welcome League C3 runners-up Bulgaria to the Aviva Stadium three days later as they attempt to secure their second-tier status.

Hallgrimsson sees Vata as a 'game-changer' for Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland boss Hallgrimsson has backed Vata to shine at senior international level after handing the 19-year-old a first senior call-up.

Vata's elevation from the Under-21s comes amid interest from his father's native Albania, but Hallgrimsson insists it is his talent and potential rather than any form of insurance which has earned him his chance.

Hallgrimsson said: "No, it's his qualities that he can bring to the table. He did well for the Under-21s, plus like I said before, we have a lot of injuries now in that department and he gives something different.

"He can be a game-changer, so that is what we see in him now. He can come in and do amazing things like he has shown for Watford, so that's the reason."

Asked if Vata could operate as a direct replacement for the likes of injured Ipswich pair Chiedozie Ogbene and Sammie Szmodics, who have helped to provide the width to the Republic's attacking efforts in recent seasons, Hallgrimsson added: "Well, that's going to be exciting to see both in training and in games, what he can bring to the table.

"But he has the potential to become one of the good ones, the best ones, so that's what we see in him."

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Middlesbrough, on loan from Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Standard Liege, on loan from Southampton).

Defenders: Jake O'Brien (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), James Abankwah (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Robbie Brady (Preston), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff).

Midfielder: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough).

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (West Ham, on loan from Brighton), Adam Idah (Celtic), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Brom), Rocco Vata (Watford).