Republic of Eire winger Mikey Johnston mentioned the group had at all times trusted Caoimhin Kelleher after he made a vital penalty save of their 1-0 Nations League win over Finland.

Johnston’s nook arrange Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson for the decisive aim on the stroke of half-time, after Finland had twice been denied by the woodwork.

The guests had a golden likelihood to stage within the second half, however Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher made a shocking save to disclaim Joel Pohjanpalo from 12 yards following a handball from Ferguson.

The consequence means Finland are relegated from Group B2, whereas Eire should come by way of a play-off to stay within the competitors’s second tier.

Caoimhín Odhrán Kelleher. That’s all. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/s9xlad9aq9

— Eire Soccer (@IrelandFootball) November 14, 2024

Talking after the sport, Johnston credited Kelleher’s all-important penalty save, saying: “I at all times belief him to go and save a penalty. He has reacted very well and stepped up in an enormous second.

“We have been aiming for the win. That they had moments however there have been just a few possibilities we may have taken as nicely.

“We’re completely happy that we’ve come away with the win. Typically within the final 12 months we’d have been on the opposite facet of a little bit of unhealthy luck.”

Eire spherical off their marketing campaign towards England on Sunday, in Lee Carsley’s closing sport in command of the Three Lions earlier than Thomas Tuchel takes the reins in January.