Caoimhín Kelleher absent from Brentford line-up due to birth of child

Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA

Brentford manager Keith Andrews has explained the reason for Caoimhín Kelleher's absence after the goalkeeper was left out of the starting line-up for the Bees trip to Burnley.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has been ever-present this season since joining from Liverpool over the summer. However, thankfully for Brentford, the 27-year-old’s absence is not injury-related and instead a result of his partner giving birth.

Speaking before kick-off, Andrews said: "Caoimhin’s partner had a baby. We are delighted for them and we wish them well but he couldn’t play today." 

In his place, Hakon Valdimarsson comes in for his first start of the league season, with Brentford making four further changes.

Michael Kayode is back from injury and replaces Aaron Hickey at right-back, while Mikkel Damsgaard, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Kevin Schade come in for Jordan Henderson and Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt.