Jimmy Dunne & James Talbot called into Ireland squad

QPR defender Jimmy Dunne and Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot have been called up to Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland squad for the friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania.

Dunne replaces Blackburn Rovers left-back Darragh Lenihan, who has returned to his club due to a groin problem, while Talbot gets the call after in-form Bournemouth stopper Mark Travers sustained a minor strain.

Dunne and Talbot will take part in Thursday's training session at Abbottstown as preparations are ramped up for Saturday's clash with the world No 1-ranked Belgians at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland then face Lithuania at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday night.

Dunne is enjoying a strong campaign with QPR in the Championship. The 24 was called up during Martin O'Neill's reign but he has yet to win a senior cap.

Last August Kenny called on Talbot ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia after Travers had to withdraw due to illness. The Bohs man was also an unused sub for Euros qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar back in 2019 when Mick McCarthy was at the helm.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), James Talbot (Bohemians).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers).

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (QPR, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Brighton and Hove