The Whites goalkeeper, 22, kept a clean sheet for Northern Ireland in their Euro 2020 qualifier against Estonia.
Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has found himself having to warm the squad bench in recent months but he was entrusted from the off for Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland in Thursday night’s Euro 2020 qualifying win over Estonia.
The Whites stopper put in a solid display, keeping a clean sheet as the Wee Country ran out 2-0 winners and, even though had little to do on the night at Windsor Park, he was alert when needed to be in the second half, coming off his line to thwart Henri Anier.
Peacock-Farrell, who was given a 7 out of 10 by both the Belfast Telegraph and Belfast Live for his performance, has not played for Leeds since January due to Kiko Casilla’s arrival at Elland Road, but was still very sharp when called upon against the Baltic nation.
Indeed, O’Neill singled out the 22-year-old for praise after the match in Belfast and was quoted by BBC Sport as saying: “He is a very young goalkeeper and we are asking a lot of him. He has got huge potential and in a key moment in the game he made a big save. He will grow from that and a clean sheet is important for both the team and for him.”
Even though he may not be first choice at Elland Road for the time being, O’Neill’s comments will come as music to Marcelo Bielsa’s ears, what with having a talented goalkeeper at his disposal who is match sharp when called upon, has many years ahead of him, is trusted with an international role and is likely to get even better.
Peacock-Farrell came through the ranks at Leeds and has made 40 senior appearances for the Whites, including 27 in the Championship this term, and has kept 10 clean sheets this term, according to Transfermarkt.
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