Ireland lists Jimmy Dunne as emergency goalkeeper for Israel match in Debrecen
Move follows Gavin Bazunu's decision to sit out in protest over the Gaza war; Dunne, normally a central defender, is listed among three goalkeepers.
Ireland have listed defender Jimmy Dunne as one of their three goalkeepers for tonight's Euro qualifying match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, after first-choice keeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew in protest over the war in Gaza.
Dunne, a central defender who plays for Queens Park Rangers, was originally called up as an outfield player but appears on the official match sheet as one of the three nominated goalkeepers alongside Caoimhín Kelleher and Max O'Leary.
UEFA requirement shapes Ireland's roster
The change follows Bazunu's decision not to take part in the fixture; the Ireland squad still had to meet UEFA rules that require teams to name two substitute goalkeepers on the match list, so the association adjusted the roster to comply.
The match is scheduled to be played in Debrecen, Hungary on 27 September 2026. Irish staff opted to preserve squad balance by listing Dunne as an emergency option in goal rather than calling up a late replacement.
Selectors will rely on Caoimhín Kelleher and Max O'Leary as the specialist goalkeepers, with Dunne available as an outfield player who is now also registered in the goalkeeper slot for the game.
The decision attracted attention because Bazunu's absence was explicitly linked to his protest over the Gaza war, prompting the unusual administrative step by the Football Association of Ireland for the Euro qualifier.
Photo: press material from the event
