Caoimhin Kelleher should be Ireland's number one as he continues his development into a top goalkeeper.
That's according to Liverpool coach John Acterberg, who reckons Kelleher "could play every game for Ireland" as he heaped praise on the Anfield number two.
The Cork stopper has sealed his spot as regular starter Alisson Becker's deputy over the past 18 months and has impressed when called upon in league and cup action this season for Jurgen Klopp's men.
And despite playing second fiddle to Gavin Bazunu for the Boys in Green over the past year, Achterberg insists that Kelleher has what it takes to be the main man for club and country.
"Caoimhin is doing really well. Unbelievable speed and reactions, but he's also calm," Achterberg said of Kelleher.
"He’s learned a lot from working with Ali. He’s become a man now. He could play every game for his national team, no danger. He has shown that he can play in the Premier League. At the moment, he’s in the right shape and in the right mindset.
"I feel confident that if Ali has an issue and cannot play, then we have someone like him to put in. It's a good feeling for us as coaches to have."
He added: "Caoimhin is most of the time in the same rhythm as Ali but obviously doesn't play as many of the games, so we need to make sure he gets his speed reactions and his crosses and his kicking in to ensure he's ready.
"A lot of thinking and planning goes into it."
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