LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher was a notable absentee from the Republic of Ireland’s squad for the Group E Nations League double-header against Scotland and Armenia (September 24 & 27).
Kelleher, who hasn’t featured for the Reds so far this season, only recently returned to training and last month Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp claimed that his talented shot-stopper had been injured in the 1-1 draw against Ukraine in June.
Republic manager Stephen Kenny disputes that. He says the injury occurred when Kelleher returned to his club but insists there are no issues between himself and the Liverpool boss.
“I’m sure we’re fine,” he said.
“We’ve got great respect for Liverpool so I’m sure it’s not an issue.”
He explained: “This is Dr Alan Byrne’s last game involved with us and he has a reputation from being involved in 200 internationals.
“They always have medical notes on every injury, extensive notes and we have no medical notes on Caoimhín from that camp so if he did tweak something, we weren’t aware of it.
“He played terrifically well in the game but it’s just one of those things and we’ll all move on. He got injured in training when he went back (to Liverpool) and he’s nearly back. It’s unfortunate for Caoimhín.”
Meanwhile, Nathan Collins has hit the ground running for Wolverhampton Wanderers since his summer transfer from Burnley and his form at centre-back makes him a shoo-in to start against Scotland at Hampden Park.
Wolves host Manchester City on Saturday and pitting himself against Erling Haaland – who already has 10 goals from six games – is the perfect preparation for Leixlip native Collins.
“Nathan has taken everything in his stride and it’s very impressive the way he’s done that,” said Kenny.
“It’s a big challenge of course, taking on Manchester City and Haaland and it’s another step in his development.
“He’s played a high number of games for one so young and he seems to be a firm fixture in Wolves’ team which is terrific. For any of our Irish players to be playing regularly in the Premier League, ideally it’s what we want and he’s shown the quality to do that.
“It’s a big challenge against Man City. He didn’t play against Haaland before so it’s a new experience and I’m sure he’ll relish the challenge.
“His attitude is good, he has good values, a high level of professionalism and he has some good leadership qualities. You feel with Nathan he’s only going to get better in his career.”
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady, the effervescent Dubliner who will be forever remembered for his stunning last-minute winner against Italy in Euro 2016, has returned to the Republic squad after an absence of 18 months.
Injury-prone Callum O’Dowda is also back and there is a place for striker Michael Obafemi who is currently out of favour at Swansea City and was left out of the squad that beat QPR on September 3.
“I’d prefer him playing, coming in match-fit,” said Kenny.
“He did very well when he was in. I thought his performances for Swansea at the end of last season and the start of this season were very good. We’d have preferred not to have this situation, we’d have preferred him coming in in good form, good relations and all that kind of stuff. Life sometimes presents these problems.”
Republic of Ireland Squad - Scotland & Armenia
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Fulham), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Jason Knight (Derby County), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Hourihane (Derby County), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Forwards: Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Troy Parrott (Preston North End), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City).
