Kelleher has big call to make on club future in the summer – O’Shea

Ireland caretaker coach

John O’Shea admits that Caoimhín Kelleher has a big decision to make on his club future in the summer.

Kelleher, who is enjoying a run in the Liverpool first team in place of the injured Alisson, got the nod to start for Ireland in Saturday’s friendly at home to Belgium. He played a key role with a clean sheet – including a crucial late save to deny Thomas Meunier.

O’Shea, who has added U-21 internationals Joe Hodge and Andy Moran to his squad to bring the numbers up to 27, has a series of decisions to make on his team to face Switzerland tomorrow night, including his goalkeeper.

Gavin Bazunu, who was first choice under Stephen Kenny, may get to play ahead of Kelleher but O’Shea knows that the summer will be an important time for Kelleher (above).

The Cork native is under contract at Anfield until 2026 but having had a taste of games with club and country this season, the 25-year-old needs to be playing regularly, as O’Shea says.

“He’s doing OK for everyone at the minute. Let him focus on that in the summer,” O’Shea said.

“He’s got a big end to the season, a big game potentially coming up obviously for Ireland, we’ll see on Tuesday, we’ll see what team is selected, and then he’s potentially got a big end to the season as well for Liverpool.

“Ultimately, any player, you must want to get playing, whether you’re a ‘keeper, defender, midfielder, attacker, the key thing is to be playing and I’m sure that’s what every Ireland fan wants, when you see lads playing at a competitive level, in the team every week, it’s really pleasing because you know ultimately it benefits the Ireland team.”

The Swiss have lost their No 1 goalkeeper Yann Sommer for the game due to injury, while Bazunu is in the frame to start for the home team.

“There’s every chance he will (start), but I won’t be confirming anything about the team,” O’Shea said. “It’s a great issue for any manager to have, to have to pick between very good players.”