As the gifted Ireland goalie gets ready to leave Liverpool’s Anfield, Jake O’Brien is certain that Caoimhin Kelleher will gain a great deal from being the Premier League’s best goalkeeper. According to reports, Kelleher has been given permission to leave the Ireland national team’s training camp in order to focus on his club prospects as talks over his future intensify. He is reportedly having medical assessments at Brentford FC, according to current speculations, and the sports media is reporting on an expected transfer cost of £18 million (€21.3 million). This possible transfer might give Kelleher the consistent playing time he needs to hone his abilities and establish himself as a top goalkeeper in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Everton defender Jake O’Brien expects his fellow Cork native to prove himself in the English top flight if the transfer to the London club is finalized. “It doesn’t take for me to say how good he is,” Jake O’Brien said at today’s Ireland press conference in Dublin, adding, “I think everyone knows how good he is and what he’s achieved over the last couple of years.”
“It’s an excellent move for him to become the Premier League’s number one if it goes through,” he continued. Everyone knows how capable he is and how high his ceiling is. He is capable of persevering and accomplishing great things.
When asked if Kelleher is already among the best keepers in the league, Jake O’Brien responded cautiously, acknowledging that Kelleher is currently playing second fiddle to Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson. “He’s definitely up there with the keepers in the Premier League. I think next year he’ll show that, and he’s already proven it in the games he has played for Liverpool.”
Jake O’Brien is familiar with the necessity of securing a regular position within a team, having faced his own challenges since moving to Everton from Lyon at the beginning of the season. He struggled to find opportunities early in the league campaign but noted how much has changed for him since then.
Reflecting on the situation at Goodison Park, O’Brien mentioned the managerial changes, particularly the return of David Moyes, who replaced Sean Dyche. He recognized the emotional impact of transitioning out of the club’s legendary stadium while preparing for a new phase at the Liverpool dockside.
“Six months back I was in a different place,” stated O’Brien. “I wasn’t where I thought I’d be when I came to Everton. I worked hard every day in training; sometimes managers favor certain players, and a lot can happen in six months.”
He continued, noting Moyes’ understanding of the club and the players, “When he [Moyes] came in, he knew the club really well and what worked for it. He didn’t come in and try to change too much immediately; he was very open-minded, and I’m grateful he’s given me a chance.”
Jake O’Brien finds himself in competition with an Everton legend and the Ireland captain on the right side of defense. While there are speculations about Seamus Coleman’s future, O’Brien highlighted Coleman’s importance to the club. “He’s a huge part of the club at Everton, highly respected, and what he’ll do next July is uncertain,” he remarked. “He can choose whether to coach or continue as a player, but keeping him at the club is vital as he’s at the heart of everything.”
As the Ireland team prepares for a double-header, beginning with a match against Senegal in Dublin followed by an away game against Luxembourg, O’Brien aims to build on his first competitive start against Bulgaria in March and carry that momentum into the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Jake O’Brien stated, “It was great to get my first competitive start, but it’s something I want to build on,” demonstrating his confidence in both beginning and moving forward. “We go into every match believing we can win. Our team and staff are strong enough to earn a spot in the World Cup, which would be great for the nation.
Finally, Jake O’Brien acknowledged the significance of facing diverse opposition, stating, “This [Senegal] presents a different type of challenge than what we’re used to, but it’s crucial we engage with teams like this. It reassures us that we can compete effectively against these opponents.”
