Caoimhín Kelleher: Time for this Ireland team to qualify for tournament

He’s been part of Champions League and Premier League winning squads but reaching a major tournament with Ireland is Caoimhín Kelleher’s next objective.

The Cork-born goalkeeper made his international debut against Hungary four years ago but his 24th cap against the same nation on Saturday will carry far more significance.

Not since 2002 have Ireland reached a World Cup and the tournament drought from Euro 2016 will extend to a decade if they can’t secure a top-two finish in a World Cup qualifying group that also includes Portugal and Armenia.

Back-to-back defeats to start the last two qualifying campaigns all but eliminated Ireland from the mix early, heightening the focus on extracting points from this opening double-header.

Up first is Kelleher’s former teammate Dominik Szoboszlai and his Hungary team at the Aviva Stadium before they travel to take on Armenia on Tuesday.

Margin for error during a six-match, 10-week sprint of a campaign is minimal yet new Brentford recruit Kelleher is optimistic about the cohesiveness of the squad under Heimir Hallgrimsson.

“The majority of that group was maybe making their debuts around that time and coming into the squad,” he stated about his bow in the scoreless draw at the Puskas Arena.

“There’s been a good few years of development now for us.

“We've had a few attempts at qualification and it's not happened for us.

“But I think in terms of this group, most of us are looking in the right time of our career right now.

“We're all at a good age. We're all playing week in, week out now as well, which is important.

“And I think the last few camps have been really positive in terms of performances and results.

“The next thing for us is to put the pressure on ourselves and to try and go and qualify.”

Hallgrimsson’s stated mission since being appointed in July of last year was to build a settled first-choice XI.

That was his recipe for success in Iceland, defying the odds at the Euros and World Cup, but he also excused regulars Mikey Johnston, Finn Azaz and Josh Cullen from the summer friendlies to recharge following a congested Championship season.

Ten games into Hallgrimsson’s reign — eight Nations League matches and two friendlies — the centrepiece of his worksheet beckons.

“Our squad has remained relatively similar each time, so we're all getting to know each other,” Kelleher (26) noted.

“I just think everything's adding up and it's looking good at the moment.

“We've had a few attempts with this group, but now's the time they really want to push on and do it.” 

How much impact Szoboszlai has on Saturday’s proceedings is certain to be a factor in that aspiration.

His wondrous 30-yard free-kick winner for Liverpool against Arsenal didn’t surprise Kelleher in the slightest.

The Leesider will be primed to repel any similar Exocet missiles. What he brackets as the ‘perfect free-kick’.

“I know him quite well from Liverpool,” Kelleher said of the Magyars captain.

“One of his biggest threats is his shooting ability. I think it was probably a nearly perfect free kick.

“The way he strikes the football as well, it puts a lot of different movements on the ball.

“Maybe you don't see it to the naked eye, but certainly as a goalkeeper you can see it. I don't think there's much more you can do to be honest.

“So, for sure, I think we need to limit that on Saturday. He’s a really good guy but a player we need to be aware of on Saturday.”

That Kelleher has reported for international duty for the first time as a guaranteed Premier League starter enhances his customary quiet confidence.

He reunited with former Ireland assistant manager Keith Andrews in his first managerial job at the Brentford helm. Club captain Nathan Collins is another compatriot and familiar face.

“The last few seasons I've been No.2, not playing week in, week out,” he surmised about his Liverpool spell.

"I'm now in that zone where I'm No.1.

“The pressure's on to perform every week, so I think it's definitely a change of mindset for me.

“It was a move I wanted for a while and it's definitely a positive one for me. It's going to take some time to get used to but I feel like I'm getting into that zone already.

"It's about being comfortable from playing. I’m gaining more experience by the week and it’s a nice feeling knowing I’m going to play every match.” Three Premier matches into his Bees stay and they’ve gained three points from a win against Unai Emery's Aston Villa.

Kelleher added: “I've known Keith for a lot of years now and I was really excited when he got the job. I think he's done excellent so far and we're going in the right direction.

“Nathan's been great in helping me settle as well and us being in the same team can only help at international level as well.”