PRIME FOR THE PREM

Kenny admits he’d love to see No.1 Gav in top flight

STEPHEN KENNY admits it would be ‘brilliant’ if Gavin Bazunu was a Premier League regular next season.

But the Ireland boss won’t be putting any pressure on his No 1 goalkeeper to play in the top flight.

Bazunu enjoyed a successful loan spell at League One side Portsmouth this season and Manchester City are deciding what is next for the 20-yearold.

The newly crowned Premier League champions could sell – but include buyback options – as Southampton and Everton are sweet on the Dubliner.

Bournemouth – who already have Ireland’s Mark Travers on their books – are also interested while Sheffield United are keen to offer a loan deal in the Championship.

Quizzed on what level he wants Bazunu playing at next season, Kenny said yesterday: “We need him to play. There has been talk of the Premier League and if he played regularly in the Premier League, that would be brilliant.

“If he’s playing in the Championship that would still be a good move for him, for how old he is.”

Bazunu missed the Belgium and Lithuania friendlies in March due to illness and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher stepped in for both matches.

Bazunu remains first choice but Kenny admits that Kelleher and Travers have never been closer to the gloves.

“It’s a dilemma and one we’ll have to consider,” said Kenny. “There’s genuine competition there and they’re the sort of headaches we want.

“The three goalkeepers have done brilliantly. Gavin was exceptional in the campaign, really exceptional. Caoimhín has come and played for Liverpool at that level.

“Mark has just played every week for a team that has got promoted to the Premier League. These are good dilemmas but not easy selections.”

The bulk of the Ireland squad will gather in Dublin on Sunday ahead of the flight to Armenia next week but some players will come in on Saturday to play in an in-house game on Sunday morning, involving seniors and Under-21s.

Shane Duffy, in particular, will have a leading role in that 60-minute contest having not kicked a ball since the Belgium game in March.

He lost his place in the Brighton team and could switch clubs this summer.

Kenny said: “It’s not been ideal for Shane. The type of player he is, the rhythm you get from playing matches is important for him.

“It’s a challenge for him and that’s why we’re bringing him in early. He’ll need a run in that practice match as we need to get up to speed. He brings a lot to the team.”