Gavin Bazunu is being tipped to become a Premier League sensation.
That’s the view of his former Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley who feels the teenager’s performance against Serbia was one for the ages.
Bazunu pulled off 10 saves in an incredible performance that cements the 19-year-old’s standing as Ireland’s new No 1.
And as Mirror Sport revealed last week, the Hoops are pocketing a six-figure sum from Manchester City for every competitive appearance he makes, capped at a set limit.
Premier League champions City signed Bazunu from Rovers for €500,000 in 2019 and their goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor was at Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night.
Bazunu is on loan to Portsmouth for the rest of the season - and potentially next year too - but Bradley feels it’s only a matter of time before he is a Premier League star.
“If injuries allow, I don’t see anything stopping him,” said the Hoops boss on Thursday.
Asked if that will be at Manchester City, Bradley said: “That's obviously for them to decide. They really like Gavin but I don't know their plans for him.
“What I do know is that Gavin can play at the highest level out there - there’s no doubt in my mind that he can do that.”
And Bradley continued: “(Tuesday’s performance) was as good as anything I’ve ever seen.
“I know people will go back years talking Bonner and Shay Given - there have been some top performances, I understand that.
“But that was up there with the very best. Not just for Ireland, but for any international goalkeeper. It was right up there.
“Some people are surprised because of his age, but you shouldn’t be. When you know him, he’s different, he’s ready.
“I spoke to him yesterday and it was just another day for him. It’s like he’s forgotten about the few games already.
“I know I’m biased because I had him here, but Gav is different. When you’re around him you get to know that this kid is different.
“Sometimes you get a kid who has had a good performance, but it’s a one-off. With this fellow, you know there is more to come.”
As a pre-teen at Shamrock Rovers, Bazunu wasn’t even regarded as the best goalkeeper in his age group, never mind a future international.
But his acceleration has been rapid and Bradley said: “It creates a little hunger in people when they’re not the top one at 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s, 17s.
“It sparked something in Gavin and it says a lot about the late developers.”
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