Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has confirmed that Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu still has the edge over Liverpool shot stopper Caoimhin Kelleher.
They are set to face Belgium and Lithuania later this month for friendly matches, but Bazunu, 20, will maintain the number one shirt.
The decision comes despite Kelleher's Carabao Cup final heroics, where the 23-year-old scored the winning penalty against Chelsea to secure the trophy at the end of February.
Kenny has described the goalkeeper headache as a 'good problem' but explained why the Manchester City man, currently on loan at Portsmouth, is still ahead.
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"When you meet Gavin for the first time in a group, he is a leader and has leadership qualities," Kenny said, explaining why Bazunu is first choice.
"He is just someone who carries himself with this sort of aura. He would have done well in life whatever he had done. He has a presence, has a sort of unflappable nature that is incredible for one so young. He has obvious inbuilt character traits that give you the capacity to give away a penalty but then save it in the same vein.
"You never underestimate Caoimhin. He played for me in the under-21 team, he played ten of the 12 internationals. He was the one who played most for me. He’s laconic, makes goalkeeping nearly an art form. It’s beautiful to watch him, aesthetically amazing to watch.
"I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a goalkeeper, brilliant to watch, such style and composure under pressure. It’s just a great position to be in. I don’t consider those problems. They are good problems.
"We have three keepers. Mark Travers, he has had the best season. Probably because Gavin is playing in League One, you wouldn't consider that he's had the best season. Mark arguably has had in terms of whether you measure Caoimhín winning the trophy."
Kelleher has handed his senior debut for Ireland by Kenny in June 2021 and currently has just two caps, compared to Bazunu's seven.
The Liverpool man made his last appearance for Ireland in a friendly against Qatar in October last year, a game they won 4-0,
He's had far more success at club level this season with eight appearances in all competitions for the Reds so far, including the cup final at Wembley.
