CAOIMHÍN Kelleher hopes to make Ireland’s number one jersey his own by the end of the international season and insists his team-mates have to “let go” of the disappointing defeat in Armenia last weekend and bounce back against Ukraine in Dublin tomorrow night.
The Stephen Kenny regime took a significant hit on Saturday, losing 1-0 in Yerevan, thanks to Eduard Spertsyan’s unstoppable 74th minute drive that was enough to see off a listless Irish side.
Speaking to the media before yesterday’s training session in Abbotstown, Liverpool’s back-up keeper said the squad were already trying to move on from their opening Nations League loss.
“It was one of disappointment with the performance really,” said Kelleher. “So we've just been looking back on that and seeing what we can do better. Our focus has switched to Ukraine.
“You have to let go of that game (Armenia) as soon as it goes, move on and forget about it and focus on Ukraine and try and get the right result there.
“Obviously we didn’t play our best, and it was disappointing not to give the fans something who travelled over. There was a big disappointment in the whole camp after the result.”
Kelleher, who made just eight appearances for Liverpool last season that included the League Cup final win over Chelsea, has clocked up five senior international appearances and is expected to add to them tomorrow night and Saturday against Scotland following Gavin Bazunu’s withdrawal from the camp due to a back complaint.
James Talbot of Bohemians has been called up in Bazunu’s absence with Bournemouth’s Mark Travers expected to be Kelleher’s understudy this week.
Kelleher (23), who signed a long-term deal with the Anfield club last year, refused to be drawn on whether he will continue as back-up to Jurgen Klopp’s undisputed number one keeper, Alisson, or go out on loan next season to gain more game-time.
“I'm not sure what's happening yet. I'm still finishing this season and then we will have conversations after that to see what happens. Obviously I need to play these few games and maybe decide after that.”
It would be ironic if Kelleher established himself as number one for his country and was still playing second fiddle at club level.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to Gavin, I wouldn’t wish injuries on anyone,” said the Cork native. “But it is hopefully an opportunity for me to get in and do a good job and try to hold onto the shirt.
“It would be really good to hopefully play a few more games. To play the last few has been really good for me, it’s great to get games in at international level. It’s a very high level and it’s really good for my development.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen at club level obviously but if you keep performing when you get the chance, hopefully I can stay in and keep hold of the jersey.”
If there are some morale issues in the Irish camp from last weekend, they’re dwarfed by Ukraine’s after their agonising World Cup final play-off defeat to Wales on Sunday.
“We have watched the last two games Ukraine have played [against Scotland and Wales], and they're a really good side, really good in possession and can cause us a lot of problems. We just have to be focused on the game, really, and try to work on the things and try to get a good result."
