Caoimhín Kelleher GK Brentford b.1998

I was thinking about this even with strong arms, you still need strong hands, gym work doesnt give you that, to hold onto the ball, the sound and pace of those was clearly fast and hard, but maybe the camera makes it seem harder/faster. BUt it was the thing that stood out for me, when you normally see on tv those saves even from behind the goal cameras(granted no sound) the pace or power doesn't seem the same.

But ya easy do in training, and much easier anticipate when you have clear sight.

Oh and I am better than Alan Kelly at keepy uppy.

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Same. I even think Conor Kearns looked better for the U21s. This one will be very interesting to keep an eye on.

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I think kelleher or buzuna will make all the difference when they play for us , hood on the ball unlike Randolph and willing to take up positions higher up the pitch to condense the space . Occasionally like bazuna at the weekend a worldwide from the other half will catch u but such an amazing help to your back 4 and midfield to not be stuck in your box protecting yourself

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Originally Posted by liamoo11

I think kelleher or buzuna will make all the difference when they play for us , hood on the ball unlike Randolph and willing to take up positions higher up the pitch to condense the space . Occasionally like bazuna at the weekend a worldwide from the other half will catch u but such an amazing help to your back 4 and midfield to not be stuck in your box protecting yourself

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Yep I can see that and can also see that the game is moving towards footballing goalkeepers. But I am old-fashioned and like my goalies to be good commanding goalies first and foremost. I think, for example, Arsenal looked far better with a big imposing keeper like Martinez over Leno. Similarly Celtic with Forster over Barkas. Keep goals first, be nice on the ball second! But I think that's becoming the less popular view now.

Starts ahead of Adrian in champs league vs Ajax. Allison with muscle injury. Game not a dead rubber. I’m as nervous as hell! Best of luck Caoimhin!

Huge show of faith. Hopefully he can repay.

Far from a dead rubber is right- you can tell that Klopp has picked the strongest 11 available, and has seemed Kelleher worthy.

That’s a shock. Brilliant opportunity but also massive pressure this is a big game for Liverpool after the home defeat to Atalanta and is a monumental one for Caoimhin, on such games careers have been built. Wish him all the luck in the world how great it would be for us to see a good, assured performance here.

When was the last time an Irish player played in the Champions League proper? Have a feeling it’s Darron Gibson, perhaps this was brought up recently — anyone with the definitive answer?

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Originally Posted by irishfan86

When was the last time an Irish player played in the Champions League proper? Have a feeling it’s Darron Gibson, perhaps this was brought up recently — anyone with the definitive answer?

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Probably Robbie Keane, at least he's a definitive South American hero.

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Originally Posted by irishfan86

When was the last time an Irish player played in the Champions League proper? Have a feeling it’s Darron Gibson, perhaps this was brought up recently — anyone with the definitive answer?

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Eoghan O’Connell at centre half for Celtic against Barca in the Camp Nou, group stage 2016.

He will take that for a first half. Two good saves. One from an offside effort. The second from a good long range shot. Distributions off both legs has been good, even from a good Ajax press.

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Originally Posted by DCWA

Eoghan O’Connell at centre half for Celtic against Barca in the Camp Nou, group stage 2016.

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Champions League proper?

How about Stokes? in his golden season with Celtic, scored v Ajax at CP.

Group stages isn't proper enough?

Before O'Connell, it was probably foot.ie's current player du jour, Cillian Sheridan.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Group stages isn't proper enough?

Before O'Connell, it was probably foot.ie's current player du jour, Cillian Sheridan.

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Did Eoghan play in the group stages? if so he's the last player to play in the CL proper (group stages).

He did. Sub appearance in the 7-0 defeat in 2016

Caoimh gets the unbiased RTE motm.

Didn't Paul predict this would happen?

Solid if unspectacular Champions League debut. Both of the saves he made were ones “he should have saved,” if you know what I mean. The one from outside of the box that he dived for, he almost made it look a bit more spectacular than it was. Then the late save looked great in real time, but the replays showed it was right at him.

His best play of the match was actually his first half save on a play which was actually offside.

A very solid performance in the circumstances and an important match in his development.

I’ll add, given how many dry years we’ve had in terms of young players coming through, especially at big clubs, we can accept some hyperbole.

But one of the more encouraging things was his distribution. He was assured without messing around — an improvement over some of his cup performances for Liverpool where he often looked like he was going for an adventure.

Really good distribution, a few good saves and commanded his area well. The perfect introduction for Caoimhin.

Incredibly beautiful moment at the end when Jurgen ran straight over to hug Caoimhin. Jurgen no doubt has been a father-like figure since his youth days after Caoimhin experienced a personal loss. Really heart-warming

Great performance from Kelleher. Did everything you can could ask of him. No nerves. Two examples of excellent handling. Four good saves. If you’re talking about elite level, if Neres scored the rebound you might look at him not getting a bit more on the low save and pushing it away further.

But overall good saves, good distribution with both feet and with his hands, good handling on two catches.

He’s in a weird situation though, if he goes ahead of Adrian, does that mean that he’s less likely to be allowed to leave on loan in January?

O'Connell is the last player to appear in the group stages, also the other player, with Kelleher now, to appear in the Champions League proper but not be capped by Ireland
Sheridan is the last player to start a game before Kelleher

Kelleher is also the first Irish goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League group stages - Given only managed it in the qualifying round.