Gavin's boycott forces Ireland to deploy a defender as goalkeeper

On this Sunday, Ireland faces Israel in the Nations League. Shortly before kickoff, keeper Gavin Bazunu announced that he is boycotting the match in the Middle East. With his withdrawal, the team now has only two goalkeepers, so defender Jimmy Dunne is listed as a keeper on the match report.

Rule forces unusual lineup

For several days, there have been discussions from Israel's side about whether the encounter should even take place. Ultimately the match was confirmed, but Bazunu's decision introduced an unexpected curiosity into the squad.

With the boycott, Ireland nominally remains with only two keepers in the squad. However, according to UEFA‑Regularien each team must name three goalkeepers, which means Jimmy Dunne is now officially listed as a third keeper in this sense.

Ireland’s split sees defender Jimmy Dunne named goalkeeper for Israel

The first spot is occupied by Brentford‑Torhüter Caoimhín Kelleher, while Max O'Leary of West Brom holds the second number. An appearance by the QPR‑Abwehrspielers is therefore unlikely.

At Queens Park Rangers, Dunne is captain and has made over two hundred appearances for the club. For the Republic of Ireland, however, he can only look back on three internationals.

Ireland fear Finn Azaz could quit football after Israel game

His last appearance was in the World Cup qualifying playoff against the Czech Republic, where he could not contribute to the win after the penalty shoot‑out. In the current international break he has so far only been a substitute and even missed the first match against Kosovo (0:1). Now he at least gets a place on the bench – albeit in a curious way.