Ireland fans applaud Kelleher, as Liverpool star makes first start

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Caoimhin Kelleher was handed his first start for Ireland on Tuesday night against Qatar – and Ireland fans have applauded the Liverpool youngster.

Kelleher, 22, was afforded only his second Ireland cap on Tuesday night as Stephen Kenny’s side faced the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in Dublin.

Previously, Kelleher had played 45 minutes of a friendly against Hungary which Ireland drew 0-0. But on Tuesday, he got his first start.

It was just his 12th senior game for club and country – having played only 10 times for Liverpool. He has kept five clean sheets, conceding 13.

He could hardly have picked a better match to make his first start for Ireland. The Liverpool stopper had almost nothing to do throughout.

That is because Ireland dominated, securing an easy 4-0 win. West Brom forward Callum Robinson netted a brilliant hat-trick for the boys in green.

Brighton’s rejuvenated Shane Duffy, much improved after a poor spell on loan at Celtic last season – also got his name on the score sheet.

What are Ireland fans saying about Liverpool star Kelleher?

Kelleher really did have very little to do. Qatar mustered just 37% possession, managing only two shots and neither were on target.

While Kelleher would liked to have secured a clean sheet and his side to win, he might have wanted a bit more to do to show Kenny he should start.

However, he did nothing wrong and they are the positives. Plenty of Ireland fans were full of praise for the Liverpool talent on Twitter, after the game.