IRELAND’S KELL
Kenny hints that Liverpool keeper Caoimhin’s closing in on No. 1 Daz
LIVERPOOL’S Caoimhin Kelleher has the World Cup in his sights as the pressure mounts on Darren Randolph.
Struggling for games at West Ham, Randolph has been told his place in the Ireland team is only safe for now.
He is poised to start Thursday’s friendly clash against England at We m b l e y b u t K e l l e h e r i s breathing down his neck.
And if the Corkman leaves the Premier League champions on loan in January, he will be well placed to become Ireland’s land s
No. 1.
Randolph ( right) left t Middlesbrough for a second spell at West
Ham i n Januar y but has only made three
L e a g u e Cup app e a r - ances this season.
And ahead of the World Cup campaign starting i n March, Stephen Kenny could drop him if he is still warming the Hammers bench.
“It’s not ideal if it was until next March, such a long period,” said the Ireland boss last night from the team’s base in England.
“He went t o West Ham t o compete and be the No. 1 and he backed himself. He’s been very consistent for Ireland but Lukasz Fabianski has the jersey.
“West Ham are going quite well so it’s not easy for Darren. He did play three Carabao Cup matches which kept him really sharp but they’re out of that competition now. It’s an issue but Darren is our No. 1 and that’s not changing. But g o i n g f o r ward , p l ay i n g matches would be preferable.”
Kelleher, Bournemouth’s Mark Travers and Manchester City ’s Gavin Bazunu – now on loan at Rochdale – are all waiting in the long grass.
And Kenny r e v e a l e d t h a t e x- S hamro c k Rover s s t a r l e t Bazunu, 18, was close to a call- up for these England, Wales and Bulgaria games.
“I co considered promoting Gav Gavin i nto thi s squad , st strongly, because hi s p e r f o r m a n c e s f o r Rochdale have been that good,” he said.
“But h e has only played three U21 games because Caoimhin was exceptional for the 21s.”
But Kelleher, 21, is the keeper with most to gain ahead.
Kenny said: “Our goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly can’t believe how good Caoimhin i s having seen him in training.
“We really need Caoimhin to ge t match e s under hi s b e l t because he’s ready to play for us now we feel. He’s good enough to play for Ireland.
“But he’s not playing matches so it’s an issue. He was supposed to go on loan to Holland in the last window but when Alisson got injured that move was pulled.”