'Well deserved' - Caoimhin Kelleher to start against world number one ranked Belgium

Caoimhin Kelleher will start the Republic of Ireland's international friendly clash with world number one-ranked side Belgium on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

With Gavin Bazunu and Mark Travers now absent from the squad, manager Stephen Kenny said that the Liverpool keeper will begin in goal for what is the FAI’s centenary game.

In fact, Kenny said that Kelleher will most likely start both games, with the clash against Lithuania coming up on Tuesday night, also at the Lansdowne Road venue.

"Deservedly so," said Kenny, when asked about the likelihood of the young Cork goalkeeper starting in regular number one, Bazunu’s absence.

"Caoimhin will definitely start, that's absolutely right, for sure. He'll most likely play the two matches now, I think it's fair to say.

"He's had to be patient because of an unfortunate injury. He missed the last March camp with injury and Gavin Bazunu has come in and been absolutely outstanding, outstanding.

"He has all-round qualities, really. His composure under pressure and his general athleticism, his ability to male brilliant saves," added Kenny, when asked to discuss Kelleher’s best traits.

"But obviously he's been in a great environment at Liverpool for a few years now and training every day at a very high standard and playing in the games that he's played in, so he's got good experience."

Ireland are looking to maintain their run of six games unbeaten, and the manager emphasised the importance of a strong defence in his set-up, mentioning the fact that the team have not conceded in their last four games.

Kenny is hoping that Kelleher can maintain that ever-improving record with the manager noting that the Liverpool number two has yet to be beaten at international level.

"We're on a run of four