TAKE IRISH DREAM TO THE MAX

MAX O’LEARY spoke of his ambition to become Republic of Ireland goalkeeper after his brilliant late save thwarted 10-man Sheffield Wednesday.

The Bristol City keeper, 27, showed razor-sharp reactions to keep out an 85th-minute shot from sub Ashley Fletcher and ensure a winning start for interim head coach Curtis Fleming.

O’Leary is already part of the Republic squad. Now, having established himself as first-choice keeper at Ashton Gate, he feels ready to do the same with Ireland.

“Representing your country and your family is the pinnacle for any player,” he said. “I have spoken with manager Stephen Kenny and I just have to keep performing and pushing the players in front of me.

“Then, if my chance comes, I have to take it.”

O’Leary’s brilliance (above) defied a battling Wednesday team reduced to 10 men on 32 minutes, when playmaker Barry Bannan was sent off for bringing down Jason Knight on the edge of the box, and denying a clear scoring opportunity.

The Owls fought hard, but were undone on 64 minutes when City centreback Rob Dickie slid in to convert a low Tommy Conway cross.

Conway hit a post 10 minutes later and Sam Bell hit the other upright from the rebound. But Wednesday also created chances, despite being a man down.

Owls boss Danny Rohl said: “I am proud of my players.

“After the red card, they gave everything and I saw so many positive signs.

“I didn’t think it was a sending-off offence because we had a defender back covering.”

City are expected to announce a successor to sacked manager Nigel Pearson this week.