Fit-again Lawal joins Republic of Ireland squad

Lawal earned his only Republic of Ireland cap earlier this year [Getty Images] Stoke City defender Bosun Lawal has linked up with the Republic of Ireland squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. Lawal, 23, was named in head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson's 26-man squad for the Uefa Nations League games against Kosovo, Israel and Austria. But he was not involved in the loss to Kosovo or victory over Israel as he underwent rehabilitation with Stoke on his injury. On Tuesday, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed he had joined up with the international squad before Thursday's home match against Austria (19:45 BST). Lawal sustained the injury in Stoke's Championship win over Charlton on 5 September. Dublin-born Lawal has one Republic of Ireland senior cap, which came in March's friendly draw with North Macedonia at Aviva Stadium. The Republic of Ireland opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 loss to Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday before beating Israel 3-0 in Hungary , leaving them third in Group B3. After hosting Austria on Thursday, Hallgrimsson's side travel to Serbia for the second game against Israel. Republic of Ireland 'raised awareness worldwide' in Israel game FAI unclear over possible sanctions if game not played FAI investigates alleged racist abuse of Idah