“We talked before about who will be the player to take them to the World Cup? I think he is the biggest trump card.”

Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann was full of praise for Caoimhin Kelleher after the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Senegal.

Kelleher’s resolve was finally broken in the 81st minute after making three big saves to keep the African side out in Dublin.

It has been a big week for the 26-year-old, who left Liverpool to join Brentford for an initial £12.5m, which could rise to £18m with add-ons.

According to former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given, “in the current climate he’s worth every single penny, if not more”.

“No disrespect to Brentford, but I’m surprised there wasn’t a few more bigger clubs in,” Given said on RTE Sport.

“Unless clubs have gone, ‘let’s have a look at him at Brentford. We know they are a selling club, let’s see him as a number one for a year or two’.

“At 26 years of age he’s still plenty young enough. He looks the real deal”