Liverpool have confirmed that Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start tomorrow night against Norwich.
Kelleher has become the forgotten son of the Irish goalkeepers union.
Gavin Bazunu's success for the Irish senior team has pushed Kelleher's success for Liverpool and the Ireland under-21 team aside. Stephen Kenny started Kelleher ahead of Bazunu for the under-21 team. He was eagerly anticipating the player's debut this year, calling him brilliant and has hinted he could still start Ireland's next game despite Bazunu's success.
That is the quality of young keepers Ireland currently boast.
Jurgen Klopp is also a fan.
Klopp has repeatedly praised Kelleher in the past and did not send him out on loan this season. He impressed in Alisson's place last year, so much so that he is now the unquestioned number two ahead of Adrian.
The league cup isn't new territory for the Cork man. He saved a penalty after conceding five goals against Arsenal in 2019. He has matured somewhat since that game and proven his quality against a better standard of opposition.
Playing away to Norwich in front of a crowd is the perfect precursor to him potentially making his Ireland debut later this year.
Bazunu himself will likely be in action for Portsmouth tomorrow night as they play Plymouth Argyle in League One. Bazunu has carried his impressive form for Ireland through to the club season, repeatedly being mentioned as one of Portsmouth's best performers.
continued his fine form yesterday#Pompey pic.twitter.com/ZKSE2w5EpA
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) September 12, 2021
The weekly highlight reel of shot-stopping is matched with some impressive passing statistics.
Brighton enjoyed an impressive win over Leicester in the Premier League at the weekend. Aaron Connolly was an unused substitute, so he will hope to start on Wednesday against Swansea. Connolly needs to rebuild his confidence and reignite the excitement surrounding his future.
Playing against a lower level of competition in a cup game could be exactly what he needs.
Another Ireland attacker who could get some much-needed game time is Adam Idah. The Norwich striker was outstanding for Kenny's Ireland but has barely featured for Norwich in the Premier League this season. Norwich may see this game as winnable because Liverpool are resting players, so they may stick with their regular starters.
That could at least mean an opportunity for Andrew Omobamidele to continue to grow his legend amongst Irish fans. Omobamidele didn't start at the weekend when Norwich lost 3-1 at home to Watford.
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