Caoimhin Kelleher aiming to create another Wembley wonder
Celebrates The Caoimhin After Kelleher Ireland's Form: In Game Inpho/bryan Keane Pic:
Wembley Stadium evokes the fondest memories of Caoimhin Kelleher‘s career and he’s another highpoint in his sights on Sunday.
The Corkman led Liverpool to 2022 and 2024 Carabao Cup final triumphs at the London venue, the first figuratively by the goalkeeper converting the winning shootout penalty.
Kelleher collected his second successive man-of-the-match award for Ireland on Thursday, his penalty save with 13 minutes remaining integral to a 1-0 victory over Finland.
Sunday’s concluding Nations League fixture against England will be a taller order but the 25-year-old is adamant Ireland will be equipped to deal with their neighbours in their final game before ex-Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley hands over the managerial reins to Thomas Tuchel.
“Any England versus Ireland game is big and we’ll definitely be up for it,” said Kelleher, currently on a run of games with Premier League leaders as No 1 recovers from injury.
“We know what to expect because England will be quality. There’s a lot of players missing but they’ve a lot of strength in depth in their squad as well.
“We need to recover because we’ve to go again but we’ll be ready for them.”
On his Wembley memories, he said: “I’ve two Cup wins there so hopefully another happy one on Sunday.
“It’s looking good at the moment. That run of games is very important, keeping that rhythm is good. I’m happy to be getting a chance to show everyone the levels I can play at.”
He’s also part of a winning Ireland team, something that should prove influential when rival Gavin Bazunu returns after his long spell on the sidelines.
“I’ve the jersey at the moment and performances have been good. My goal is to stay as the No 1 and keep performing well. I don't think anybody can take that away from me if I do that.
“It’s common sense that if I'm playing week in, week out, I’ll come in more match sharp and ready. There’s confidence from playing week in, week out.
“There’s been times at home lately that we've not won games that we should have, or we conceded goals, so it was important we kept a clean sheet against Finland.
“We defended well, got a goal as well but it's important to win those games as well.
“We need to start making this a fortress again, making it a place that teams don't want to come to. The building blocks for that is a clean sheet and defending well.
“Performance aside, first and foremost the result is the most important thing.”