Caoimhin Kelleher made a howling error in the final moments of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League defeat against Greece.
The game was finely poised with just a few minutes left after an Anastasios Bakasetas strike put Greece early in the second half.
But the three points for the hosts would be wrapped up when Kelleher gifted the ball to substitute Petros Mantalos 30 yards out from goal.
Keeping his cool, Mantalos stood Kelleher up before rounding the Liverpool goalkeeper and tapping home into an empty net.
Kelleher was unable to hide his despair, with the 25-year-old slumping to his knees in despair.
It’s a mistake that is unlikely to have altered the course of the match, given only two minutes of the added three remained in Athens.
But, things could’ve been much worse for the Boys in Green had Kelleher not bailed them out on several occasions.
The Cork-born star made five saves across the 90 minutes against the League B Group 2 leaders and was awarded Man of the Match by the official Ireland X account.
However, the result has ruled Ireland out of promotion contention, given they’ve won just one of their four outings so far.
What’s more, the defeat also spelled bad news for rivals England, who had been hoping for a favour from Ireland.
Greece stunned the Euro 2024 runners-up at Wembley during the first match of the October international break to take control of the Nations League group.
It means with four games played Greece remain top and would secure promotion to League A with a win over Lee Carsley’s side in the Greek capital next month.
England kept promotion hopes alive with a comfortable 3-1 victory away to Finland, which in turn is likely to ensure Ireland aren’t relegated to League C.
It comes amid ongoing speculation surrounding England’s managerial position, with reports interim Carsley doesn’t fancy taking on the role full-time.
Commenting on his future after the win in Helsinki, the ex-Ireland international commented: “I’ve not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing.
“My remit was six games and I’m happy with that. This is a privileged position.
He added: “I’m really enjoying it but I didn’t enjoy the last two days. I’m not used to losing in an England team, I don’t take losing well.
“People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I’m in the middle.”
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