Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher believes that Ireland still have the ability to go on a winning run that would secure top spot in their Nations League group.
The Liverpool man only found out the day before Saturday's opener in Armenia that he would be starting after Gavin Bazunu was ruled out with a back injury, but he was unable to keep out Eduard Spertsyan's long-range effort as the hosts earned a shock win in Group B.
Stephen Kenny’s side have a chance to respond quickly though as Ukraine, who lost a World Cup play-off game with Wales on Sunday, visit Dublin on Sunday.
"It was a setback on Saturday with the result but I think we still know we’re good enough as a squad, we’ve gotten some good results recently so I think we’re good enough to win every game remaining and top the group," Kelleher said.
Kelleher was one of Ireland’s better performers in Armenia on an occasion when few of Kenny’s players could be content with their showing.
On Monday, Bazunu was forced to withdraw from the squad for the upcoming games with Ukraine and Scotland with Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot drafted in alongside Kelleher and Mark Travers.
That means it’s likely that Kelleher is set for an extended run in the team and while stressing his dismay about his team-mate's injury, he is hoping to make the most of the chance.
"It’s an opportunity for me now to get in and do well and try and hold onto the shirt."
He added: "The last few games have been really good for me, it’s great to get games at international level, it’s a very high level.
"It’s really good for my development. You don’t know what could happen, I don’t know what’s going to happen at club level obviously but if you keep performing you’re going to get the chance hopefully."
Wednesday’s game at the Aviva Stadium will be a poignant affair given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kelleher said that when the whistle goes, they must turn their focus to on-pitch matters.
"We’re just trying to play a football game really.
"We’ve obviously watched the last two Ukraine games they’ve just played [against Scotland and Wales], they’re obviously a really good side.
"[They’re] really good in possession and can cause us a lot of problems. We need to be focused on the game really and just try to work on the things we need to do to trigger the good result."
Kelleher is coming off another impressive season at Anfield having scored the winning penalty in their Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea as well as keeping a clean sheet during that Wembley encounter. However, he was limited to just two Premier League appearances with Alisson Becker a clear number one in Jurgen Klopp's eyes.
The Cork man signed a new contract with Liverpool last summer and although there are suggestions that he may need to head out on loan to further his development, he said that no discussions have taken place.
"I’m not sure on what’s happening yet. I’m still finishing this season and we’ll have conversations after that and see what happens."
It was a mixed season for the Reds with Kelleher also picking up an FA Cup medal, but a Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid and losing out to Man City on the final day of the Premier League meant that there were plenty of downs to accompany the ups.
"At club level we won two trophies earlier on and then the end of the season wasn't ideal, losing two [competitions].
"It taught me to not get too high on the highs and not get too low on the lows, to try and keep that even keel.
"It’s just given me good experience in how to deal with situations like winning and coming down from a high and then being on a low after losing."
