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Kelleher Set For First Start As Ireland Welcome Qatar To The Aviva

Tuesday, 12 October 2021 07:20

Ireland are looking to back up a three goal win over Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Ireland come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan at the Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku. 

Goals from Callum Robinson and Chiedozie Ogbene sealed an important victory as Stephen Kenny's side look to make it back-to-back victories tomorrow night. 

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set for his first start whilst Josh Cullen and Daryl Horgan remain doubtful following the Azerbaijan match. 

Speaking of the Liverpool shot-stopper, Manager Stephen Kenny said:

"Caoimhin is a real natural goalkeeper, a terrific talent, he played ten times for me as Ireland U-21 manager and I'm well aware of his qualities. He was just unfortunate the last season when he was injured and that opened the door in March for Gavin Bazunu who has been terrific. He (Kelleher) made his debut at half-time in the game against Hungary, this is his first start tomorrow in front of the home crowd and he deserves it."

Kelleher himself added: 

"I think hopefully I’ll get the opportunity tomorrow, it would be nice to get a first start for Ireland. I’ve a good few family coming up to watch the game. In front of the home fans to make my first start would be a special and proud moment for me. Gavin has been brilliant in goal and it's brilliant to see. We work as a group and support everything each other does so it has been brilliant to see him do so well."

Republic of Ireland Squad / v Qatar

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley), Liam Scales (Celtic).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Charlton Athletic, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jason Knight (Derby County).

Attackers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United). 

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