Kevin Kilbane Says Two Clubs Will Hold Caoimhín Kelleher Regrets After Ireland Star’s Form
While Troy Parrott has rightly taken most of the plaudits after his heroics in leading Ireland to a World Cup play-off place in recent days, the contributions of Caoimhín Kelleher must also be mentioned.
The Cork man was Ireland’s most consistent player right throughout the campaign. He made some massive saves to keep his team in games over the last few months, something that continued in Budapest. Not only that, but he also provided the ball into the box for Parrott’s late winner on Sunday afternoon.
Kelleher has grown into a world class goalkeeper in recent seasons. He was an able deputy at Liverpool, quickly establishing himself as one of the best stoppers in the Premier League after his move to Brentford over the summer.
Indeed, it is looking increasingly puzzling as to why some clubs higher up the league did not take a punt on the Irishman during the off-season.
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Kilbane: Two Clubs Will Hold Caoimhín Kelleher Regrets After Ireland Form
A number of Premier League clubs were in the market for a goalkeeper over the summer, making Caoimhín Kelleher’s initial £12million fee in the Brentford move look like a real bargain.
Writing in the Irish Times, Kevin Kilbane named two clubs that are already probably regretting not making enquiries about the Cork native after his recent run of form.
For months now, Caoimhín Kelleher has gone above and beyond what is expected of him. Kelleher is world class.
I’d say the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United feel they missed a trick letting Liverpool sell him to Brentford.
As much as Parrott’s goals and Coleman’s grit, Kelleher turned it around for Ireland with some incredible saves.
Remember the one just before half-time at home to Hungary? 3-0 and the campaign really was over in September. There was another ridiculous save in Budapest, at 1-1, and he denied Ronaldo from the penalty spot in Lisbon.
While it remains doubtful that Liverpool would have done business with Manchester United, Chelsea seemed like an ideal fit for a player of Caoimhín Kelleher’s talents.
Of course, he could yet end up at a club of that stature. Should he continue his current run of form, you get the sense that his stay at Brentford could end up being a rather brief one.
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