Spurs’ on-loan Irishman Josh Keeley was at the centre of a sensational FA Cup story on Saturday afternoon.
21-year-old goalkeeper Keeley is spending the season at Spurs’ North London neighbours Leyton Orient, who found themselves trailing 1-0 to Oldham in the second round – deep into stoppage time.
With a miracle needed in the 99th minute, Keeley went up for a free-kick – and duly scored a sensational equaliser.
Leyton Orient would find another dramatic goal in injury-time of extra-time to progress to the third round, with Keeley the hero of the day.
The young Irishman moved to Spurs from St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2022, after appearing for Pats’ under-19s team and making one senior League of Ireland appearance. A regular for the Ireland U21s, this is Keeley’s second season out on loan, as Spurs seek to get him extra game time.
He has certainly gotten that at Leyton Orient and Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had high praise for him in this week’s press conference – however, he also had a hilarious one-liner about the nature of his bursting into the public consciousness this week.
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Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had encouraging remarks about young Ireland goalkeeper
Speaking ahead of Spurs’ midweek Premier League clash with Bournemouth, Ange Postecoglou was asked to comment on his on-loan goalkeeper Josh Keeley’s heroics in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Postecoglou gave a brilliantly honest answer, admitting that it was not the way he had expected Keeley to make an impact.
He’s goalkeeping well…I don’t know how excited I get about goalkeepers scoring headers, mate. It’s great for him I’m sure but it’s not, kind of, the attributes I’m looking for in a goalkeeper!
Nonetheless, the Aussie had some solid praise for the ex-Pats man.
Postecoglou said that Keeley had done well to work his way into the Leyton Orient team, and that he was encouraged by his level of performance out on loan.
Josh, he worked with us last year obviously. It’s important with the young guys, with the goalkeepers, that they eventually get some game time. I think the loan has worked out really well, he’s gone and he’s worked his way into the team and he’s doing really well.
We may not expect to see Josh Keeley scoring too many more goals but Irish fans will hope that there is a big future ahead for him between the sticks.
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