Luton Town goalkeeper Josh Keeley has for been named in the Republic of Ireland senior squad for next week’s World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.
The 22-year-old has impressed since arriving at Kenilworth Road from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and has been rewarded with a place in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s 25-man squad for the tie, which will take place on Thursday.
Keeley has made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Hatters this season, keeping 11 clean sheets — a tally that places him joint fifth among goalkeepers in League One.
Keeley has previously represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17 and under-19 level and has won 10 caps for the under-21s, keeping three clean sheets. He has also previously been included in the senior squad, being named on the bench for international friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg in June last year.
If Ireland overcome the Czech Republic, they will host either Denmark or North Macedonia in a play-off final on March 31 for a place at the World Cup.
Speaking before Luton’s 3-2 defeat to Reading earlier this month, Hatters boss Jack Wilshere praised Keeley’s temperament as well as his ability.
“I love Josh, I think the best thing about him is his composure,” he said. “Of course he’s a top goalie who makes good saves, he’s good with his feet, he’s still young, he’s still developing, he’s got a high ceiling in my opinion, but I like the way he is.
“I like the way he is around the training ground, I like how calm he is, I like the confidence he gives to the back four in front of him. He’s developing his voice and coaching them, talking to them in a game which is important.
“He’s started to come for more crosses which is important in this league too. I’ve played with a lot of goalies, some really good goalies, but also some who were quite reactive and didn’t fill you with confidence, but Josh is the opposite. I’m really happy with how he’s performed and how he’s developing.”
Wilshere also highlighted the goalkeeper’s understanding of Luton’s tactical approach and the role he plays in the team’s defensive structure.
“He has a real understanding of how we want to play which he is important to, he is really important to, how we want to defend,” he said.
“He’s focused, he has clarity on that, which I then think helps the back four. A number of times when we’re pressing really high this season, they then play a long ball and he’s had to come out from the back, he’s clear with that, he understands it.
“He’s quietly confident and goes about his business, he’s like that around the environment every day, which then, translates to the pitch.”
Wilshere also believes Keeley has the qualities required to establish himself at senior international level in the future if he continues his current development.
“I think he’ll get there,” he said. “The interesting thing about goalies is they can play, sometimes until they’re 40.
“He’ll get his moment, he’ll get his opportunity if he keeps going the way he is, keeps working every day how he is. For a young goalie as well he’s played a lot of games, that’s impressive as well.
“He’s got a lot of experience, last year with Orient and getting to the play-offs and having to come back from a little bit of adversity, all those things will help him into the future, and I think he’ll get there.”
Luton midfielder George Saville has also been called up by Northern Ireland for their World Cup play-off against Italy, while Manchester City loanee Emilio Lawrence has earned a Scotland Under-21 call.
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