Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne has been registered as an emergency goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland's Nations League clash with Israel. The 28-year-old centre-half was called up by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson after first-choice shot-stopper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad as an act of protest.
Bazunu, who plays for Bolton Wanderers, announced his decision on social media. "My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong," he wrote. He added that his stance was not against the Israeli people but against the atrocities in the region.
UEFA regulations require each national team to name three goalkeepers in their squad. With Caoimhin Kelleher and Max O'Leary as the primary options, Hallgrimsson turned to Dunne to fulfil the administrative requirement. The QPR player, who has spent his entire career in defence, is expected to remain on the bench for Sunday's match in Hungary.
Squad vote and discussions
The unusual situation followed extensive internal discussions within the Ireland camp. Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell detailed the process that led to the squad's decision to travel. "The squad were in Pristina yesterday," Courell said. "An extensive conversation took place where ultimately the consensus from the group was to travel to Hungary."
He explained that after a player-later confirmed to be Bazunu-expressed discomfort this morning, another four hours of conversations ensued among players, staff, and executives. A vote was then held, with a significant majority opting to fulfil the fixture.
Dunne's QPR context
Dunne's unexpected international call-up comes as his club side seeks consistency. Queens Park Rangers are unbeaten in their last three Championship outings, a run that includes a 2-2 draw with Preston North End last weekend. Paul Smyth's 90th-minute equaliser in that match salvaged a point, continuing a recent sequence of one win, three draws, and one defeat from their last five games. You can review the team's upcoming schedule, including a trip to West Ham on October 9th, on our fixtures page.
The versatile defender's availability for QPR's next match is not expected to be affected, as he is set to be a non-playing member of the Ireland squad. His primary focus will soon return to helping QPR climb the standings, with the team looking to build on their solid, if unspectacular, recent form.
Background and full detail: The Mirror
