Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher feels that it was a ‘positive’ showing from the Boys in Green with the 0-0 draw with Belgium, but feels that is a ‘positive’ sign.
John O’Shea’s first game as interim boss resulted in an encouraging performance from the Boys in Green, who were unable to make the most of their chances.
Evan Ferguson ended up missing the best chance of the game after he fluffed a penalty midway through the first half.
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Ultimately it was a fine showing from Ireland, especially on the back of a difficult 2023 that featured just two wins – both against Gibraltar.
Speaking to Virgin Media after the final whistle, Kelleher – who started ahead of Gavin Bazunu after his run of form with Liverpool – was happy with the performance.
‘Plenty of positives to take from that,’ the Corkman said. ‘We start with a good basis with a clean sheet and I think we created a few chances.’
Koni De Winter of Belgium in action against Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
‘We missed the penalty, [we’re] coming away with the feeling that maybe we should’ve got more.
‘But also we’re still happy with a good start for us with John. I thought we came in and did well today – positive.
‘We started really well and then continued on and created a lot of chances. The first half I thought we were quite dominant to be fair.’
Republic of Ireland interim head coach John O’Shea, left, and Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Kelleher was called into action with a save later in the second half after a close-ranged effort from Thomas Meunier, but was happy to not be too busy on the night.
