Callan McKenna (left) ahead of the international friendly match at Hampden Park, Glasgow. _(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)_
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ANDONI Iraola said Callan McKenna ‘has the level already’ to be a top goalkeeper after the young stopper signed a new contract at the club last week.
The 18-year-old keeper extended his stay on the south coast until at least 2028, after he joined the club from Queen’s Park in 2024.
The Scot has impressed at the Dorset club, playing a regular part in Alan Connell’s development squad and he has often travelled with the first team for Premier League games.
This season, after the departures of Neto and Mark Travers, McKenna has become the side’s third keeper in the first team, behind Djordje Petrovic and Will Dennis.
In the summer, McKenna was called up to the Scotland senior side for the first time and was part of the match day squad for a friendly against Liechtenstein.
Asked about McKenna’s new deal, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I'm very happy that he signed a new contract. I think he’s someone that has improved a lot.
“Obviously you don't notice because he's just training with us. He's now third keeper. I think we felt confident enough to put him as a third keeper because I think he has the level already.
“He's still very, very young, but I think he's growing.
“I felt a difference since the first time he started training with us, I think one season and a half ago and now I think he's getting better and I hope he continues this development and we can have a keeper there.”