Heimir Hallgrímsson: 'I want Caoimhín Kelleher to go to a club where he will play regularly'

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson thinks Caoimhin Kelleher should leave Liverpool to play more often. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Caoimhín Kelleher should still leave Liverpool for regular first-team football despite picking up a Premier League medal.

That remains the opinion of Heimir Hallgrímsson who has relied on the Corkman in goal for all eight of his matches at the Ireland helm.

The former Ringmahon Rangers stopper made 10 appearances in the title campaign, including seven straight outings, added to the 10 amassed in Cup competitions.

Between Brazilian Alisson seemingly sticking around Anfield, and Georgian Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way in, Kelleher had earlier this season indicated his plan to leave in this summer window. That doesn’t appear to have changed.

“I just want him to go to a club where he will play on a regular basis,” said Hallgrímsson about Kelleher, whose Ireland run should continue against Senegal due to Gavin Bazunu suffering an injury recurrence.

“I’m not so bothered where he goes because he showed everyone he can play at the highest level of the Champions League and Premier League.

“Sometimes goalkeepers and centre-backs, if they are playing at a lower league level they have a lot to do and keep busy.

“I know he wants to be playing at the highest level and he’s spoken about that as well.

“I know that and I guess - I don’t know for sure - he will be playing at the highest level.”

The Icelander also anticipates Dara O’Shea being on the move from relegated Ipswich Town.

“I know that Premier League clubs will be looking at Dara saying, number one, this is a consistent player,” he noted.

“He is hardly injured and plays at the same level all the time. I don't think anyone is blaming him for the relegation of Ipswich.

“Whatever Dara does, he has proven to be consistent and versatile, sometimes playing at right-back in a central trio.”