Great_Expectations
Well-Known Member
Keiren Westwood is set to start his first competitive match for Ireland in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia tomorrow. Westwood has 5 caps to his name so far, albeit none in competitive games. Ireland are currently second in their qualifying group and are expected to beat Macedonia who sit second from bottom in Group B.
Westwood has received backing from many in the Irish set up, including goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly who believes Keiren will not let the side down, commenting on his recent form Kelly stated "he has been superb and I have no reason to think that won't continue."
Ireland's number one keeper the injured Shay Given has also given Westwood his support asserting that "The country is in safe hands, I have been very impressed by him since he has come into the squad."
The worrying thing from a Sky Blue point of view is that this puts him on the international stage and thus a larger audience to be impressed by Keiren's ability.
Perhaps not helped by both Kelly and Given believing he has the ability to be playing at a higher level, both indicating he can play at a bigger and better club than Coventry. In Givens eyes "Clubs will be looking at him in the summer as I believe his contract is up and no disrespect to Coventry, but he can move to a bigger club."
With international colleagues whispering things like this in his ear, the already slim chances of Westwood signing a new contract, diminish even further.
Westwood has received backing from many in the Irish set up, including goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly who believes Keiren will not let the side down, commenting on his recent form Kelly stated "he has been superb and I have no reason to think that won't continue."
Ireland's number one keeper the injured Shay Given has also given Westwood his support asserting that "The country is in safe hands, I have been very impressed by him since he has come into the squad."
The worrying thing from a Sky Blue point of view is that this puts him on the international stage and thus a larger audience to be impressed by Keiren's ability.
Perhaps not helped by both Kelly and Given believing he has the ability to be playing at a higher level, both indicating he can play at a bigger and better club than Coventry. In Givens eyes "Clubs will be looking at him in the summer as I believe his contract is up and no disrespect to Coventry, but he can move to a bigger club."
With international colleagues whispering things like this in his ear, the already slim chances of Westwood signing a new contract, diminish even further.