Ireland grateful to new keeper Max O’Leary after Luxembourg stalemate

Max O’Leary marked his long-awaited senior international debut with two vital saves to spare the Republic of Ireland’s blushes in Luxembourg.

The 28-year-old Bristol City keeper, who was first called up six years ago, denied Danel Sinani and substitute Vincent Thill either side of half-time to ensure Ireland emerged with a 0-0 friendly draw in their final game before they launch their World Cup qualification campaign in September.

Skipper Nathan Collins headed against the post and substitute Jack Taylor blasted against the bar at the end of either half but the visitors, who extended their unbeaten run to four games in unremarkable fashion in front of a crowd of just 6,312, could not find a winner for head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson on his 58th birthday.

Our June international window ends in stalemate pic.twitter.com/AYdkomKBEa

— Ireland Football ⚽️