Darren Randolph finally under threat from new breed of Irish goalkeeper

Most notable among the challengers is the recent Premier League debutant Caoimhín Kelleher, who has earned rave reviews from Jurgen Klopp and he is already being valued at more than £1m

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher saves a shot spectacularly against Wolves at Anfield on December 6. The Corkman’s impressive performances earned rave reviews from Jurgen Klopp and he is already being valued at more than £1m. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Such was the grip Shay Given held on the Ireland’s goalkeeping berth that at one stage, his teammates weren’t allowed to count goals scored in training matches against one particular understudy.

From the moment he dislodged Alan Kelly in 1996, Given’s status as one of the English Premier League’s best stoppers ensured he remained Ireland’s first-choice for the next 20 years whenever available.