GOALKEEPER Lawrence Vigouroux has been called up by Chile ahead of the country’s three upcoming international friendlies against Japan, South Korea and Peru.

The Swindon stopper, who has cemented his place as the club’s number one option between the posts, will miss Town’s League Two matches away at Morecambe next month and Exeter in October, plus the club’s home Checkatrade Trophy group match against Newport County on September 11.

The 24-year-old will also likely be absent for Town’s Trophy trip to Plymouth on Tuesday, October 9 – due to it clashing with Chile’s third and final friendly against Peru on Friday, October 12.

With Manchester City’s Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo having suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in training earlier this month, the current coach of La Roja, Colombian Reinaldo Rueda, is taking the opportunity to look at Vigouroux.

Town manager Phil Brown described Vigouroux’s call-up as deserved, but believes the club won’t be lacking quality in goal during his time away on international duty with Luke McCormick more than ready to fill the void.

He said: “Lawrence (Vigouroux) has been called up by Chile so he’s going to be away for a couple of games.

“But there’s an able goalkeeper in Luke McCormick that can take his place.

“The squad will get tested this year, it’s never 11 versus 11 – it’s about 16 or 17 outfield players and a couple of goalkeepers working together.”

It’s been a year of change for Vigouroux following his move to Ireland in February to play for League of Ireland club Waterford.

That loan move occurred during David Flitcroft’s reign at the County Ground though and new Town boss Brown was baffled how a player of Vigouroux’s ability could be left out of the squad altogether.

A series of acrobatic stops on Saturday ensured Town earned a 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers in what proved to be a physical affair during Town’s latest League Two fixture.

“Lawrence is a very good player, the bottom line is he is where he is because of circumstances beyond his control,” said Brown.

“When I inherited the football club, finding Lawrence when I went over to see him in Ireland and understanding he wasn’t part of our team – I just couldn’t work it out.

“We’ve witnessed a decent start to the season, and I believe he’s enjoying his football.

“We’ll move forwards together.”