Stephen Kenny admits Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has to get used to life on the Republic of Ireland bench due to the outstanding form of Gavin Bazunu, speaking to the Irish Mirror.
In August 2018, a who’s who of British giants were sending scouts across the Irish Sea to watch a wide-eyed 16-year-old who had forced his way into the starting XI at Shamrock Rovers.
According to The Independent, Liverpool, Norwich City, Celtic and Chelsea all took a keen interest, while Tottenham Hotspur tested the waters with a six-figure bid.
In the end, however, Manchester City won the race for Bazunu’s signature.
Three years on, we’re starting to realise why the Dublin-born, shot-stopping sensation was a man in such high demand.
After keeping out a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in Ireland’s courageous yet unfortunate 2-1 defeat at Portugal last week, Bazunu produced another man of the match performance, making a string of gravity-defying saves as the under-fire Kenny celebrated a hard-earned point against a talented Serbia side.
And with Bazunu in such inspired form, it looks for all the world as though another highly rated Premier league glovesman will have to get used to life on the sidelines.
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“It’s a tight decision. I regard Caoimhin Kelleher so highly as he’s an exceptional goalkeeper but it’s just that he’s not playing,” says Kenny.
“(Bazunu) kept us in it and had a tremendous game (against Serbia). I couldn’t have predicted how well Gavin would do.
“I knew Gavin was very good and had special qualities as a man. That struck me, his characteristics that were unique and special as a human being.”
At club level, at least 22-year-old Kelleher appears to be moving in the right direction.
The Anfield academy graduate has replaced the experienced Adrian as Jurgen Klopp’s second-choice goalkeeper and has been included in the match-day squad for all three of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures.
Bazunu, meanwhile, will be welcomed back to loan club Portsmouth with open arms after the South Coast side conceded five goals at AFC Wimbledon in the Papa John’s Trophy last night.
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