'It’s massive having Caoimhín for penalties': Hallgrímsson hails Cork man Kelleher's influence

Heimir Hallgrímsson says the presence of penalty save king Caoimhín Kelleher boosts Ireland’s prospects if Thursday’s World Cup playoff semi-final is decided by penalties.

Czechia are slight favourites to progress into next Tuesday’s decider against either Denmark and North Macedonia but have new manager and captain following a period of upheaval.

Corkman Kelleher has saved three Premier League penalties since moving from Liverpool at the start of the season. He also denied Cristiano Ronaldo from the spot in Ireland’s visit to Portugal last October.

A tense battle is in store, which may lead to the game being extended into extra-time and a shootout.

Hallgrímsson, who reported a fully fit squad, isn’t encouraging his player to practice but knows he has the best in the business trying to repel the hosts.

“It’s massive having Caoimhín,” said the Icelander at today’s pre-match press conference in the Fortuna Arena.

“He’s proven himself to be one of the best penalty-stoppers in the game and obviously that gives us confidence.

“We have good penalty takers too but we’re not overly talking about this.

“I think it’s difficult to train for that moment if you need to take one at the end.

“So, we’ve just given players freedom if they want to exercise this.

“Otherwise we don’t talk much about it.”