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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Tom Leach

Is this the man Martin O'Neill and Seamus McDonagh went all the way to Bulgaria to watch?

Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neill was spotted on Monday night in Sofia, Bulgaria, watching on as Kosovo claimed their first ever win in a European Championship qualifier.

Sat alongside him was head goalkeeping coach, and former Republic of Ireland shot-stopper, Seamus McDonagh as the pair kept a close eye on the action.

During the season just passed, Costel Pantilimon played more minutes than any other player in Garibaldi, but that hasn't stopped speculation about O'Neill's desire to sign a replacment.

So far this summer, the Reds have been linked with moved for two goalkeepers.

First, Asmir Begovic was rumoured to be on his way to the City Ground after the former Premier League winner was forced out of Eddie Howe's Bournemouth side by an aging Artur Boruc and young buck Mark Travers.

Ex-Aston Villa 'keeper Ben Siegrist has also been mentioned after impressing for Dundee United last season.

The 27-year-old was signed by O'Neill at Villa Park a decade ago as a fresh faced teenager, but a string of freak injuries, including a horrifying leg break, affected his career.

But who were they the Reds duo in Bulgaria to watch?

Between the sticks for Kosovo was Swiss-born Manchester City star Arijanet Muric.

The 6 foot 5 inch goalkeeper made five appearances for Pep Guardiola's side last season, including in City's 9-0 demolition of Burton Albion in the EFL Cup semi final.

The 20-year-old has two years left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and is said to be highly rated by his manager who has promoted him to be the club's regular number two, behind 25-year-old Ederson.

Muric conceded twice from close range on a night that saw his nation make history.

For the first, Bulgarian talisman Ivelin Popov beat him with power from the edge of the area after being allowed to float into a dangerous area by the Kosovan defence.

And for the second there was little the ex-Montenegro U-21s keeper could do as Kristian Dimitrov, left unmarked at a corner, powered a header into the top corner.

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