Gavin Bazunu back in action after nine months out

Republic of Ireland international Gavin Bazunu has played his first competitive football since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon almost nine months ago.

The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet for Southampton's Under-21 side in their 5-0 Premier League 2 win over Fulham.

Bazunu was Ireland's first-choice goalkeeper under Stephen Kenny for the national team's last competitive game before the injury last April, which caused him to miss the Saints Championship run-in and eventual play-off triumph, with Liverpool No 2 Caoimhin Kelleher taking possession of the jersey since.

Bazunu, who turns 23 next month, is not currently registered in the Southampton squad for the Premier League and will be keen to see whether he is in the plans of new manager Ivan Juric.