Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher could be in line to make his senior Republic of Ireland debut this month after West Ham stopper Darren Randolph was ruled out.
Ireland manager Stephen Kenny confirmed Randolph’s hip problem will keep the 33-year-old out of World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg later this month – handing an opportunity to young Reds stopper Kelleher.
The Cork-born ‘keeper has been struggling with a stomach issue lately and has been out of Liverpool action for a number of weeks.
However, Kenny hopes to have the 22-year-old fit and available, as reported by BBC Sport: ”Fingers crossed he comes through okay [return to training] because he’s played five games for Liverpool and he’s been first-class in those games.”
Kelleher, who has been capped 10 times at Under 21 level, was handed his opportunity at Anfield earlier this season when Alisson Becker was sidelined and has since made six first-team appearances altogether.
L4L’s VIEW
Credit where it’s due, Kelleher looked non-plussed by what was a huge Champions League occasion against Ajax and put in a superb performance in earning a clean sheet.
His performances from then on had seen the young Irishman usurp Adrian as Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, although recent injury issues put pay to any further chances of late.
International recognition will be just another step in the development of a ‘keeper who looks to have all the attributes to make it at the elite level.
