Shock call-up by Northern Ireland for Mansfield Town goalkeeper Christy Pym

The 29-year-old was preparing to sit out the forthcoming international weekend with Stags already shorn of three of their stars and the trip to Exeter City postponed.

But now Pym has received his first-ever international call-up for Northern Ireland, drafted into Michael O’Neill’s squad for their Nations League fixtures against Belarus (Saturday) and Bulgaria (Tuesday). Pym did play a game for England U20s but is eligible to play for Northern Ireland via a grandmother who was born in Belfast.

He has been one of Mansfield’s standout performers so far in the club’s long-awaited return to Sky Bet League One and has helped maintain both an unbeaten home league record and a sequence of three successive clean sheets.

Man of the Match in last month’s 2-0 win away at Northampton, Pym produced a heroic penalty stop in the first-half at Sixfields along with a string of fine saves.

On his call-up, Stags head of goalkeeping Adam Collin said: “It's fantastic news for Christy and the club as he receives this international call-up.

“It is deserved recognition for his superb form, not only this season but over the last three seasons.

“He has shown unbelievable consistency in his games for Mansfield Town and has produced a number of match-winning moments.

“Christy is a superb professional day-in day-out and someone who will be adept in moving up to international level.”

Pym is the club’s fourth call-up for the international break.

Midfielder Keanu Baccus (Australia) and forwards Ben Waine (New Zealand) and Lucas Akins (Grenada) have also been selected to play for their respective nations.

The three previously-selected internationals played significant roles in September’s round of fixtures. Baccus returned from injury to start Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Indonesia whileWaine climbed off the bench to score in New Zealand’s 1-1 draw against the United States of America and Akins scored in both of Grenada’s matches – against Saint Martin and Saint Lucia.

Below are the fixtures which Stags’ four internationals could be involved in this month

Christy Pym

Belarus v Northern Ireland (Saturday 12 October, 19.45pm) – Nations League Group K

Northern Ireland v Bulgaria (Tuesday 15 October, 19.45pm) – Nations League Group K

Keanu Baccus

Australia v China (Thursday 10 October, 10.10am BST) – World Cup qualifier

Japan v Australia (Tuesday 15 October, 11.35am BST) – World Cup qualifier

Ben Waine

New Zealand v Tahiti (Friday 11 October, 3am BST) – World Cup qualifier

New Zealand v Malaysia (Monday 14 October, 7am BST) – International friendly

Lucas Akins

Grenada v Cucacao (Friday 11 October, 10pm BST) – CONCACAF Nations League, League B, Group B

Curacao v Grenada (Monday 14 October, 11pm BST) – CONCACAF Nations League, League B, Group B