CHRIS Gunter made a late substitute’s appearance for Wales in their 1-0 Nations League victory against Republic of Ireland in Dublin last night.

The 29-year-old collected his 91st cap when he replaced goalscorer Harry Wilson with five minutes to go as Wales won in Ireland for the first time since 1992.

Royals team-mate David Meyler was an unused substitute for Ireland and also for their 0-0 home draw with Denmark on Saturday.

Saeid Ezatolahi was forced to withdraw from Iran’s 2-1 friendly against Bolivia on Tuesday after suffering a suspected injury in training

Reading midfielder Leandro Bacuna was on the scoresheet again as Curacao continued their CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers with a 5-0 win against US Virgin Islands. Bacuna also scored twice in a 10-0 thrashing of Grenada recently.

Royals keeper Anssi Jaakkola sat on the bench in Finland’s 1-0 win over Estonia last Friday and 2-0 victory against Greece on Tuesday.

Full-back Andy Yiadom was also kicking his heels after Ghana’s double-header with Sierre Leone was cancelled at the last minute due to a Fifa ban.

Academy centre-back Tom McIntyre was another unused sub for Scotland U21s in defeats to Ukraine (3-1) and England (2-0).

However, a number of Reading youngsters on loan have had a busy week.

Striker Sam Smith, 20, came off the bench to replace former Royal Jamie Mackie as Oxford United beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at home to climb off the bottom of League One.

Full-back Tennai Watson, 21, played the first 45 minutes for AFC Wimbledon in a 2-1 home defeat to League One leaders Portsmouth, while goalkeeper Lewis Ward sat on the bench for Northampton Town in a 2-1 victory against Forest Green Rovers.

Defender Gabriel Osho, 20, played the full match as Aldershot Town beat Eastleigh 2-1 in the National League, with ex-Reading youngster Scott Rendell scoring the winner.

Fellow Academy youngster Ade Shokunbi was involved in Billericay Town’s winning goal against Gloucester City in National South.