Shay Given: There’s no ceiling to where Caoimhín Kelleher can go

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has heaped praise on Cork native Caoimhín Kelleher.

Given is widely regarded as one of the best Irish netminders of all time and in his prime one of the best Premier League goalkeepers. He played for some top clubs including Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa.

He has been impressed with Kelleher in between the sticks.

The 27-year-old is now excelling for both club and country. He moved to Brentford during the summer after six years with Liverpool.

“Brentford only paid an initial £12.5million for him and I thought they got him at a good price, because he is a top-class keeper,” Given said when speaking to Betway.

“He had just won the league with Liverpool where he played his fair share of games. He also played during a key period of the season, the league wasn't wrapped up so those were big, high-pressure games and he performed at such a great level.

“I think you have to credit Brentford, because they went in early in the window and got it across the line. I think they could see the potential of how good he was going to be. He has been immense for Brentford and the Republic of Ireland.” 

The country is on a high following the Republic of Ireland’s extraordinary victories against Portugal and Hungary recently.

Those six points in the space of three days secured the Boys in Green a World Cup qualifying play-off spot next March. 

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will face the Czech Republic in the semi-final. Victory in Prague would see the Irish host Denmark or North Macedonia for a place in the USA next summer.

Given says that Kelleher should be highlighted for his performances.

“I know Troy Parrott will get a lot of the headlines, but Kelleher made an unbelievable reaction save during the Hungary game. He brings real calm to the team and that's the sign of a top keeper.

“He's going from strength to strength, but this is his first season as a true No 1 in the Premier League. I think having a fellow Irishman like Keith Andrews there at Brentford makes it a really good fit.

“There's no ceiling to where Kelleher can go, so I think he can push on. He strikes me as a player and a person that's really level-headed and lets his football do the talking.”