Caoimhin Kelleher is confident that playing on a weekly basis in the Premier League will help him to hold onto the Ireland No. 1 jersey.
The Premier League winning keeper with Liverpool made his long awaited move to Brentford this week. signing a five-year deal with the Bees after six seasons at Anfield, where he made 67 appearances.
"Obviously, it's been a long time coming," Kelleher told RTÉ Sport after tonight's 1-1 draw with Senegal.
"Really happy to get it over the line and get it done. And looking forward to get going over there.
"(I've) played well for Ireland. I think I've done well enough to keep the No. 1 position. I need to keep playing well to keep the position. But no doubt playing week in, week out is going to help my cause, for sure."
Having vied with Gavin Bazunu for the starting keeper jersey under Stephen Kenny, Kelleher has been the undisputed first choice under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Tonight saw another strong display, with Kelleher pulling off a spectacular fingertip save from Krepin Diatta to preserve Ireland's lead in the second half.
He was ultimately beaten from close range by Ismaila Sarr although only on the rebound after saving with his feet from Cherif Ndiaye.
6 June 2025; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher makes a save during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Senegal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Kelleher's fingertip save from Krepin Diatta, pushing the header onto the crossbar
Despite the late concession of the equaliser, Kelleher was satisfied with the performance and the direction of travel under the manager.
"It was a big save (from Diatta). You have to make those big saves if you want to be a top goalkeeper. I want to keep doing that and helping the team.
"We're disappointed to concede and not keep a clean sheet. But throughout the game, we were solid and we limited them to a few chances from crosses.
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"It's a very positive performance from us. We've come in there a bit disappointed not to win the game which is a good sign. They're one of the best nations in the world. It's very positive and we're going in the right direction.
"We were brilliant in the first half. We sustained attacks really well. We didn't give them any chance to counter attack and we created a good amount of chances as well."