Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has not been included in the 24-man Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their October international fixtures.
Instead, Mick McCarthy has opted to call up Middlesbrough stopper Darren Randolph, Bournemouth’s Mark Travers and Kieran O’Hara, who is spending the season away from parent club Manchester United on loan at Burton Albion.
Westwood has been a regular in the Irish squad since making his debut in 2009. He has played 21 times for his country, although his most recent cap was back in 2017.
He was included in the squad to play Switzerland back in September, but pulled out with injury.
Speaking about leaving Westwood out, manager McCarthy said: “Keiren’s not going to start if Darren Randolph’s there and the other two lads (Mark Travers and Kieran O’Hara) were brilliant in training.”
The 34-year-old has been a regular for the Owls this season, and has conceded just nine times so far as well as keeping two clean sheets.
His absence from the Ireland squad has left plenty of Sheffield Wednesday fans baffled, with many of them claiming he would be a better choice than current number one Randolph.
However, some are also quite happy that Westwood has been overlooked as it means there is no risk of him picking up an injury on international duty.
Here is how some Owls fans have reacted to the news that their goalkeeper has not been included in the Republic of Ireland squad…
It’s criminal he not Ireland’s number one, by far the best goalkeeper in championship but happy he’s not selected keeps him fit for us!!
— shane (@snoopyswfc) October 1, 2019
It’s a joke, but good for us.
— Matthew (@matthewtups) October 1, 2019
Good keeps him fit for us
— WAWAW76 (@ndunne76) October 1, 2019
Good… goes to show you how are the set up is when boro keeper is number 1. Obviously didn’t watch the actual players in action. Poor. But il take it keep westy fit
— Kieran (@KikoOBrien8) October 1, 2019
Stops any injury risk
— Neil Robinson (@Lord_Optimus) October 1, 2019
Advantage for us
— wednesday 07 (@jjkkgf1) October 1, 2019
Randolph 😂😂😂
— Ian Jones (@peanigh) October 1, 2019
What do you make of Westwood’s omission from the Republic of Ireland squad? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
