Westwood set to be Ireland’s Number One?

If any player has stood out this season for Wednesday, its been Irish International Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

Once again, against a determined Rotherham side the summer signing from Premier League Sunderland. Showed his class as one of the best, if not the best keepers in the whole of the Championship.

Having attracted the interest of Premier League teams ahead of January’s transfer window. All Wednesday fans will have been pleased to see him remain at Hillsborough, having been instrumental in the Owls boasting one of the meanest and best defences in the division.

With Westwood between the sticks Stuart Gray`s team are only one clean sheet away from equalling the club-record of 17 clean sheets in a season. That record was set by Sir Jack Charlton`s team some 36 years ago. Its a fair assessment that without Westwood`s heroics, Wednesday would be much further down in the Championship table.

Westwood, deservedly has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for Sunday`s crucial European Championship 2016 qualifier against Poland and former Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday keeper Nicky Weaver is backing him to become their number one.

Weaver, now Wednesday academy goalkeeping coach, told The Sheffield Star:
“Keiren has got 16 caps for his country and he`s still only 30 so he`s got plenty of time to play at that level. There is no reason why he can`t become Ireland`s number one because, no disrespect to David Forde, Millwall are at the wrong end of the table and Wednesday are mid-table. Darren Randolph and Shay Given are in the squad too but Keiren has got to really fancy his chances of playing. I would suggest he is the one who is in the best form.”

Weaver went on to say he believes that goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes deserves a lot of credit for helping Westwood get his career back on track at Hillsborough.
“Andy works with all the keepers every day and keeps them on their toes,” he said. “He`s that shoulder to lean on when they need it. Andy has been a big influence throughout Keiren`s career. They have known each other since their days together at Manchester City. I would imagine Keiren is playing the best football of his career at the minute. He has been outstanding for us. His performances have been great and he`s kept a lot of clean sheets. It`s not only been down to Keiren. It`s the 10 players in front of him but when he has been called upon, he has made important saves at important times and been one of our best players.”

Ireland boss Martin O`Neill and his side face Poland in their upcoming UEFA Euro 2016 Group D qualifier. With the game set for a 7.45pm kick-off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Plenty is riding on Sunday`s qualifier, as Poland are currently top of Group D, three points ahead of Ireland who are tied on seven with Germany and Scotland.