Ireland not conceding defeat to Wales on Cork's David Harrington

The former Cork City and Ireland U21 goalkeeper has been called up to Craig Bellamy's Wales squad. 

David Harrington (right) Mark Travers (left) before the international friendly match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland haven’t given up hope of retaining David Harrington from the grasp of Wales, stresses John O’Shea.

The former Cork City goalkeeper represented Ireland up to U21 level and was promoted to the senior squad in June without being capped. He has been drafted into the Welsh squad by Craig Bellamy.

Leesider Harrington, who joined Fleetwood Town from Cork City in January 2023, qualifies for Wales through his Bangor-born and reared father, Phil, a former City stalwart and 'keeper coach.

The 24-year-old has kept six clean sheets in 15 appearances for Charlie Adam’s outfit thus far this campaign, where he is plying his trade under the tutelage of former Wales international, Owain Fon Williams, who is the club's goalkeeper coach.

He will compete with Leicester's Danny Ward, as well as Karl Darlow in the Wales camp, as the Dragons face Turkey in Kayseri on Saturday before host Iceland at the Cardiff City Stadium three days later.

“I spoke with Dave,” confirmed O’Shea, assistant manager to Heimir Hallgrimsson.

“It’s one of those things - an area of the pitch where we have strong competition. We made our case to him.

“We know the level he is playing at now, but that could soon change. But whatever decision David goes with, good luck to him - it’s down to every individual.” 

Harrington’s decision may well have been influenced by the depth of competition in that department. Fellow Corkonian Caoimhin Kelleher is enjoying an extended run in the side at Premier League leaders Liverpool, while first-choice Alisson recuperates from injury, while Mark Travers has also featured in the English top-flight. The last of his three Premier League outings for Bournemouth came nine days ago in the 2-1 win over Manchester City.

The third of those stoppers, Gavin Bazunu, had possession of the Ireland No 1 status until an untimely Achilles rupture while warming up for Southampton ruled him out for several months.

“It’s just to the confidence to know that you have a player playing in the Premier League (at a club) that are comfortably top of the table,” former Manchester United Premier League winner O’Shea said about the presence of Kelleher, ahead of the concluding Nations League fixtures against Finland at home on Thursday and England at Wembley on Sunday.

“It was an important thing for me in my career, looking back and you have a keeper you have a lot of confidence in.

“I’m sure the players and the squad have a lot of confidence in all our keepers but especially one that is playing and is at the top of the Premier League.”