The international break has brought contrasting fortunes for two Pompey players - with one hit by an injury setback and the other embarking on a perhaps unexpected international career.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming friendlies.

The News reported that the 20-year-old was called into Stephen Kenny's squad for the forthcoming matches against Belgium and Lithuania, where he was set to continue as first-choice.

But hopes of adding to his 10 caps for his country this month have since been dashed, after he had to pull out of the Eire camp through illness. No further details have been released.

Meanwhile defender Haji Mnoga has been selected in the Tanzania squad for a trio of international friendly fixtures.

The Taifa Stars played Central African Republic on Wednesday and Mnoga played in the 3-1 win. They face Botswana on Saturday and Sudan.

Pompey said right-back Mnoga — who penned his first professional Pompey contract in December 2019 — has previously represented England at under-17 level. The 19-year-old has made 15 senior appearances for the Blues, with the majority of them coming in the EFL Trophy.

He had a spell on loan with Bromley earlier in the season and is currently with Weymouth, who sit inside the National League drop zone.

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