The Sunderland goalkeeper's decision to pull out of the World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Kazakhstan sees Newcastle United’s Rob Elliot called into the squad.
And it is certainly not a short term fix because Ireland clearly feel that Westwood might have done more ... and he could suffer for it.
I know Alan Pardew is looking for another goalkeeper, and Elliot may not be genuine international class, but come on ... neither is Westwood!
When the Republic’s goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly was asked whether he had made contact with Westwood, he replied simply: “Yes.”
Asked whether he was happy with the situation and the fact Westwood is expected to be available for Sunderland’s game against Swansea, Kelly said: “I think he is not going to miss a club game, no.
“I spoke to him and the club decided to pull him out.
“Between the both of them they withdrew from the squad.
“Rob Elliot has come in and Stephen Henderson from Bournemouth at a moment’s notice.
“And I’m delighted to see them working – it’s good as it freshens it up and gives people opportunities.
“You have to be here to have an effect. But the decision was made over Keiren and there was nothing we could do about it.”
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
