Dundalk keeper called up for cover as David Forde pulls out

With Martin O’Neill’s blessing, David Forde has pulled out of the Irish squad to concentrate on his commitments with Portsmouth following the goalkeeper’s loan move from Millwall.

O’Neill has once again turned to Dundalk’s Gary Rogers to provide the back-up to Darren Randolph and Keiren Westwood.

Rogers has tweeted his delight at his call-up though it will make for a hectic club and country schedule for the keeper. Dundalk play Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday night, and Rogers would then have to fly to Belgrade on international duty the following day. The Irish squad is due to return from Serbia in the middle of Monday night/Tuesday morning — and the Lilywhites have another match, away to Sligo Rovers, on Tuesday night.