Stephen Kenny is baffled by Jurgen Klopp’s veiled swipe over Caoimhin Kelleher’s mystery injury.
The Liverpool and Ireland goalkeeper will miss the start of the Premier League season with an unspecified problem.
Klopp claimed Kelleher suffered his knock on Ireland duty in June and said: “Caoimh felt something after the international game.
“Everybody, the medical department there, told him it’s fine and will be good after holiday.
“He came back and first training [session] felt it again. We checked it and it was not good so I think Caoimh will be another two, three weeks and then he should be fine.”
But Kenny is puzzled by the German’s comments and insists he wasn’t aware of any injury that Kelleher had at the time.
Kelleher, 23, started all four of Ireland’s Nations League games against Armenia, Ukraine twice, and Poland as Gavin Bazunu was crocked.
In Tullamore yesterday, Ireland boss Kenny said of Klopp’s pointed assessment: “It caught us by surprise, I must say.”
And asked if he felt Klopp was having a dig, Kenny said: “I don't know, I don't know. It caught us by surprise.
“I actually wasn't aware that he was injured, to be honest with you. If he had been injured, he would have been out of training or not training.
“I'd have comfortably played Mark Travers because he really excelled in the training camp and it looks like he has come up a notch again.
“If Caoimhin wasn't right, I would have selected Mark with full confidence. That was a surprise to me to see that.
“I've not spoken to Caoimhin personally but I was under the impression he had an injury that would keep him out for a short period.”
Meanwhile, Kenny insists the role of Ireland No 1 is up for grabs going into the new Premier League season.
Bazunu is set to be Southampton’s first-choice following his move from Manchester City.
And Travers will be Bournemouth’s preferred pick between the posts with Kelleher still back-up at Liverpool.
Kenny said: “The reality is there isn't a No 1. We've had Gavin injured, we've had Caoimhin injured in different camps. It's a competitive area and will remain a competitive area.
“The element of competition is important and you can't say anyone has absolutely established themselves as the No 1 and that is still the case.”
But Kenny admits Bazunu - who had been No 1 for him - is in a strong position to reclaim the gloves if his Saints move goes well.
“It gives him a strong opportunity, and also Mark at Bournemouth. It's interesting to see,” added Kenny.
READ NEXT:
England win Euro 2022 after beating Germany in emphatic Wembley final - 6 talking points
Damien Duff reveals the one thing that would top all he achieved as a player
Willie Mullins gives injury update on Paul townend after fall at Galway Races
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before Man Utd pre-season friendly even finishes
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
