Cork's Caoimhín Kelleher buzzing to get going at new club Brentford

Brentford have completed the signing of Cork native Caoimhín Kelleher from Liverpool.

Kelleher left the Republic of Ireland training on Monday to undergo a medical and complete the transfer believed to be worth £12.5million, with the potential for it to rise to £18m.

And on Tuesday afternoon, the London club announced the signing of the Leesider, who said he was "buzzing" to join the Bees.

“I’m buzzing, I’m really happy to be here," the 26-year-old told the club's official website.

“I don’t think it was very difficult for me to leave [Liverpool]. I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a no.1 and to play every week.

“I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible.

“When I come back for pre-season, all focus will be on what I want to do next year; to work on certain goals and what I need to improve on, and to have a really good season for Brentford."

Kelleher departs Anfield having made 67 senior appearances for the Reds and winning seven trophies, including two Premier League titles, Champions League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and UEFA Super Cup since he joined the club from Cork side Ringmahon Rangers back in the summer of 2015.

The Mahon man also admitted conversations with head coach Thomas Frank demonstrated that Brentford was the right club for him at the next stage of his career.

“I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches," he continued.

"They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground.

“It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game. It was impressive and I think the club’s a really good fit for me.

“I like the way the manager and the coaching staff go about their ways. It seems like a really close, tight knit, family club.

"They’ve got a really good track record of improving and developing players which is really what’s drawn me to the club.

“I obviously spoke to Nathan. He spoke really well about the whole club and it’s nice to know Sepp and Fábio as well. It’ll make it easier for me to settle in and be nice to have a few friendly faces."

Brentford first-team goalkeeper coach Manu Sotelo added: “Caoimhín is a young keeper full of talent who has already proven how he can perform in the Premier league as well as Europe.

“He is calm and obsessed with improving. His best quality is his agility and he is a clever goalkeeper, with positioning and awareness being key elements of his game.

“With us, I’m confident he will achieve the next level in terms of performance and show the potential he has.

“I’m looking forward to working with him.”