Cork City keepers Mark McNulty and Alan Smith step into Irish breach

Cork City goalkeepers Mark McNulty and Alan Smith are literally lending a helping hand to the Irish cause.

In the temporary absence of the four goalkeepers named in Martin O’Neill’s provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay and the World Cup qualifier against Austria, the Turner’s Cross netminders will step into the breach today as an Irish training squad, comprised of Championship players, continues its work at their Fota Island base.

Goalkeepers Colin Doyle and Keiren Westwood, who were both involved in play-off games at the weekend, as well as Darren Randolph and the returning Rob Elliot, are due to report into camp next week along with other senior players, though it’s not yet clear which ones will fly out to the United States on Monday for the game against Mexico in New Jersey on June 1.