Caoimhin Kelleher: Republic boss Stephen Kenny says Liverpool goalkeeper will start Belgium friendly

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny says Caoimhin Kelleher has earned the chance to impress after confirming the Liverpool goalkeeper will start Saturday's friendly against Belgium.

Kelleher starred in Liverpool's Carabao Cup triumph but has just three Republic caps to his name.

But with Gavin Bazunu absent, the 23-year-old will be tasked with shutting out the world's number one team.

«Caoimhin will definitely start, that's absolutely right,» said Kenny.

«He'll most likely play the two matches now, I think it's fair to say, and deservedly so.»

Bazunu has established himself as Kenny's first-choice goalkeeper with a string of impressive displays after making his international debut in March 2021.

However, the 20-year-old — who is on loan at Portsmouth from Manchester City — was forced to withdraw from the current squad due to illness.

With Bournemouth's Mark Travers injured, uncapped Bristol City stopper Max O'Leary was called up but it is 23-year-old Kelleher who will start against Roberto Martinez's side in Dublin on Saturday.

«He's had to be patient because of an unfortunate injury,» added Kenny, who has no fresh injury concerns for the Belgium game.

«He missed the last March camp with injury and Bazunu has come in and been absolutely outstanding.

»We're on a run of four and a half games without conceding a goal — and Caoimhin has played his part in that.

«In Caoimhin's two matches to date against Qatar and Hungary, he hasn't conceded a goal either, so he deserves his chance because he's been absolutely excellent.»

Asked to list Kelleher's best attributes, Kenny said: «His composure under pressure and his general athleticism, his ability to make brilliant saves.

»But obviously he's been in a great environment at Liverpool