With Joe Hart still on his summer break, this is a great chance to make a mark.
Pep Guardiola has named his squad for his first preseason game with Manchester City and there is an Ireland goalkeeper included.
Ian Lawlor, an Ireland U21 international, is one of four goalkeepers named by Guardiola for the upcoming friendly with Bayern Munich. Willy Cabellero - City's cup goalkeeper last season - is there, as well as Angus Gunn [England U21 international] and Billy O'Brien [Wales U21].
Lawlor has impressed in training during preseason and is said to be pushing hard for a starting role against Bayern.
Lawlor, who was previously called up to train with the Ireland senior squad, was loaned out twice last season.
He made five appearances for Barnet but got a first team run at Bury [14 games, five clean sheets]. He saved two penalties in a shootout against Bradford, in January, to second up a 4th round FA Cup meeting with Hull City.
Bury are keen to get the 6-foot-4 Dubliner in for next season but Lawlor is keen to remain at City to impress his case upon Guardiola.
Lawlor is joined by Gael Clichy, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Jesus Navas in the squad for the match, on Wednesday. He should also be in the selection mix for further friendlies against Manchester United and Dortmund.
All 11 plus the subs rated from Prague A heartbreaking night for Ireland in Prague as their World Cup dreams end with a 4-3 defeat on penalties after a 2-2 draw against Czechia. Here are your ratings from a quite chaotic night. Caoimhin Kelleher – 7 In truth, not a huge amount to do in […]
This one is a toughie. We have yet another Irish-influenced Premier League quiz for you all. Can you name the Irish player with the most Premier League appearances for each of the current Premier League clubs. Good luck!
The time has come… This live blog is sponsored by Lynx, Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst Nervous? So are we. Four months after THAT afternoon in Budapest, Republic of Ireland have the chance to create more history in their first World Cup clash against Czechia. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men know a victory in […]