Seamus Coleman and Stephen Kenny laud Ireland's goalkeepers ahead of Belgium clash

Seán O’Connor reports from the Aviva Stadium.

A sell-out crowd is expected at Lansdowne Road on Saturday evening as Ireland host Belgium.

The world’s number one side will be missing their star names though, as Roberto Martinez has opted to leave players with over fifty caps out of this month’s squad.

While the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois will be missing, Belgium still possess huge quality, as Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Liverpool’s Divock Origi are set to start.

Although Belgium are missing their stars, Kenny argued this week that Ireland’s missing players would have made a greater impact. “The players that we're missing have an equal effect on the players they're missing from their team,’ he said.

The Ireland manager spoke to the media on Friday and said that Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher will most likely feature in both friendlies, after Gavin Bazunu and Mark travers were forced to withdraw in recent days.

“He’s had to be patient,” said Kenny.

“He missed the last March camp with injury. Gavin Bazunu has come in since then and been absolutely outstanding. We’re on a run of four and a half games now without conceding a goal.”

“Caoimhín has played his part in that. In Caoimhín’s two matches to date against Qatar and Hungary, he hasn't conceded a goal either. He deserves his chance because he’s been excellent.”

“You never know in June or September who’s fit and who’s not fit. It’s good to have that depth and that level of competition (in goals).”



“He has all-round qualities, his composure under pressure and athleticism. He’s been in a great environment in Liverpool for a few years now, so he’s got good experience. ”

Ireland captain Seamus Coleman also spoke to the media on Friday and added his thoughts on Ireland’s strong goalkeeping situation at the moment. Ireland have not conceded in four games, and have lost just one of their last ten.

“To be completely honest with you, they are two exceptional goalkeepers,” said Coleman.

“What we see in training on a daily basis from both of them is both to a very, very high standard. They are both very humble lads which is important, and both very eager to have a career in the game. It’s early days for them but if they keep that mentality along with that quality they can go a long way.

With Saturday's friendly billed as the FAI’s “centenary game,” the Everton defender also reflected on his standout Ireland players over the years. Coleman and Jeff Hendrick are the only two current players who started Ireland's last game against Belgium, the 3-0 defeat at the group stage of Euro 2016.

“I’ve been lucky to play with some great players for Ireland, Damien Duff, Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Shay Given. They were really powerful players for Ireland.”



“Growing up, for me you're looking at Roy Keane and how good he was for Ireland. How in certain games he carried them. The Holland game was a memorable one. I know Jason McAteer scored but Roy Keane’s performance in that game was unbelievable.”

    About Seán O'Connor

    View Full Profile