Bazunu scoops ‘CRISC Player-of-the-Year’ Award
GOALKEEPER Gavin Bazunu has been declared the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs’ (CRISC) Player of the Year.
The Firhouse man, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth from Manchester City, has taken an incredible leap forward on the international front this season, effectively establishing himself as the Republic of Ireland’s first-choice shot-stopper.
Indeed, under manager Stephen Kenny, he made his senior international debut in Ireland’s FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier against Luxembourg at the Aviva Stadium back in March.
While the home side did suffer a 1-0 reversal in that match, Bazunu acquitted himself impressively, the 19-year-old demonstrating a commanding presence that impelled Kenny to draw on his services again.
It was a decision that has paid dividends for the Ireland team, as Bazunu has since turned in a string of superb performances for his country, most notably in their recent clash with Portugal when he pulled off a tremendous penalty save from none other than Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
What’s more, Bazunu has played his part in an apparent reversal of fortunes for the Boys-in-Green in recent months, keeping a clean sheet as they beat Azerbaijan 3-0 in what marked Kenny’s first competitive win as Ireland boss, before they followed that up with a 4-0 demolition of Qatar in a friendly.
