Caoimhin Kelleher is in line to make his Republic of Ireland deubt during the March international break, should he recover in time from injury.
The 22-year-old, who made his Liverpool debut last season, has made five appearances for the Reds so far this season but has been missing for Jurgen Klopp 's side in recent weeks, with Adrian starting in his absence against Sheffield United when Alisson was granted compassionate leave last month.
Despite the recent lay-off, the goalkeeper is on course to be named in Stephen Kenny's squad for Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg as well as a friendly clash with Qatar later this month.
And with regular first-choice Darren Randolph a definite absentee because of injury, Kelleher should make his Boys in Green debut if he is able to prove his fitness.
But Kenny has revealed the Liverpool goalkeeper is close to returning to training and is hopeful he'll recover in time to play for Ireland.
“Darren won’t be fit to be selected for the March window,” Kenny confirmed in a virtual Q&A with Ireland supporters last week.
“I’ve been speaking to him over the last few days and West Ham have shut him down at the moment, in that he played recently, starting the game really well, but the defenders had to take the kick-outs in the second half.
“That’s very unfortunate because he’s had a kicking issue on and off for a while.
“Between a thigh injury and initially his hip, it’s caused him a lot of anguish.
“He’s just unfortunate to have that period of injury, not been quite able to address it. He came back and had greater problems with it."
He continued: “Caoimhín is injured at the moment as well. He has a slight abdominal tear, so we’re just hoping he can be okay.
“He’s due back training at the weekend of next week. Fingers crossed, he comes through okay because he’s got great potential.
“He was first class in all five games he played for Liverpool and I had him for 10 of my U21 games.”
