Kelleher backed for top-level return to Liverpool

Caoimhín Kelleher’s move from Liverpool to Brentford raised a few eyebrows at the time. Still, his performances since leaving Anfield have only strengthened his reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers around, particularly now that he’s getting consistent minutes as a number one.

We caught up with former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle to get his thoughts on Kelleher’s development, as well as the futures of Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson.

Kelleher destined for top-level return

Doyle has long been an admirer of Kelleher and believes his move to Brentford was less a step down and more a necessary step to become a number one and prove himself week in, week out.

“I always thought Kelleher was an excellent goalkeeper. He has been in the Ireland squad a good amount of years before making his move to Brentford and you could see he was top class. You could see he was top class when he played for Liverpool, and he actually played a decent amount of games for Liverpool.”

“Everything about him just looked so mature, he looked older than he was, especially for a goalkeeper. The only thing that surprised me, and this is not disrespect to Brentford, but that was that another club didn’t come for him.”

The lack of competition for his signature still surprises Doyle, especially given how comfortable Kelleher already looked at the top level.

“He was quite cheap so I am surprised a bigger club didn’t come for him or even that Liverpool let him go for that relatively low fee. But they must have had an agreement that they would let him go because he was desperate to play first team football. His next move is going to be back to Liverpool or another top club, because I genuinely don’t see a weakness in his game or even his mentality which is probably the most important thing for a goalkeeper.”

For Doyle, it’s Kelleher’s mentality and composure, particularly under pressure, that sets him apart from many others in his position.

“Any mistakes he makes, it doesn’t seem to affect him. He looks so confident in every area of the game and he is exactly what you want from a goalkeeper and it was an excellent signing by Brentford and it has worked out very well.”

That consistency is now beginning to remove any lingering doubts about whether he could be trusted as a long-term number one at the highest level.

“But if he keeps playing like this, he could be on his move again in the near future. The reason why he left Liverpool is because when you are a top club, you need a man you know you can 100% rely on. That was the only question mark back then but with the way he has performed this season, that question mark is no longer there.”

A return to Liverpool is not out of the question either, particularly with long-term planning always in mind at elite clubs.

“The next move could be Liverpool, because Alisson won’t be around forever. He has been there and he knows the club, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they signed him back in just a couple of years. He went out and he got experience, and I don’t see him not playing for a top club. Maybe even in Spain, but listen, I just think he can play anywhere. I think he is good enough to do that. So good with his feet and a great shot-stopper. He has got it all.”

Kelleher will hope to impress on Saturday night when Brentford travel to face Leeds, where they are currently priced at 9/5 to pick up the win. If you fancy backing them to secure all three points, you can use our free bet calculator to see how much you could stand to earn.

Parrott ready for Premier League comeback

Doyle also believes Troy Parrott is close to earning another shot in the Premier League after developing his all-round game and maturing physically over the past few seasons away from the spotlight.

“I think Troy Parrott is possibly moving in the summer. He has had a couple of seasons there and he has done really well, and I really like him as a player. He was a superstar as a kid, everyone was talking about him and what kind of star he would become. When you then turn 18 or 19 and you actually have to go do it, it is very difficult to break into the Spurs first team and physically he probably wasn’t strong enough to survive in adult football.”

The striker’s development has been clear since leaving Tottenham for life in the Eredivisie, where he’s been able to refine the less glamorous parts of his game.

“But he has become stronger now and has improved a lot. He has improved his all-round game and his hold-up play is excellent. Now, it is not just about getting a goal but also to see what he can do without the ball. A few years ago everyone would question if he has the physicality to play that role and hold the ball, but whatever he has done in the gym is amazing.”

His importance for Ireland has also grown, not just as a finisher but as a focal point in attack.

“His goals for Ireland have been extremely important, and obviously he has always been a really good finisher, but his ability to hold up the ball and his work rate is amazing as well. He has developed into an all-time forward.”

Doyle does expect interest from England, although he believes the next step needs to be the right one rather than the biggest one.

“Maybe, his next move won’t be to a top four or six club in the Premier League, but it will be to a decent Premier League club. A few good teams will be looking at signing him.

I really like him, because he is that kind of striker where, even if he doesn’t score, he still contributes to a good team performance.”

Ferguson still has time, but must adapt mentally

Injuries have disrupted Evan Ferguson’s progress, but Doyle believes the potential is still there, even if his development hasn’t followed the same steady upward curve.

“Physically Evan Ferguson is way better than Troy Parrott was at that age. Very early, he was ready to come in and contribute in the Premier League. He has everything a centre forward needs. He is tall, he is strong, he is quick and he is a good finisher. He has a good touch as well but it seems like it is a mental thing with him.”

Doyle believes a key turning point in Ferguson’s development has been the shift in expectations as his role in the team has grown.

“You know, when he started coming off from the bench, there was no pressure on. No one expected him to come on and score, but then there is a switch in your career where you are looked at more and pressure will be on you. People are expecting you to score.”

Injuries have only complicated things further, preventing him from building rhythm and confidence at a crucial stage of his development.

“That is something that he has to learn to deal with, and along with all the injuries it can be difficult. I think his injuries come down to him being a very big lad at a young age. His body has grown quickly and he hasn’t had a consistent run of games. If you listen to his manager at Roma, they speak about all sorts of injuries and the fact that it is affecting him not having that run of games.”

Doyle also points to the importance of managing the physical demands of the game off the pitch, particularly for a player with Ferguson’s build.

“He has to make sure his body is taken care of, also with his lifestyle. He comes across as a good guy, but he has to make sure he is doing everything possible to be as fit as possible.”

Despite everything, Doyle is clear that Ferguson still has time, even if expectations need to be managed more carefully given how quickly he rose into the spotlight.

“But as a centre forward, Evan Ferguson has all the ingredients needed and he is still young enough to become a superstar. He is only 21 years old, so we still have to give him a chance. He has been hyped up for years and then when it doesn’t go right he is getting criticism.

“If he can sort himself out and mentally adjust to the pressure, then he can become top class. On paper he has more potential than Troy Parrott, but there are loads of kids with potential who don’t fulfil it. I hope for our sake he fulfils it, because he was linked with £80 million moves 18 months ago and he has dropped off the radar, but he still has time on his side to get back to that level. He has the attributes to do it.”

Read more as Kevin Doyle discusses Wolves' resurgence under Rob Edwards