Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher says it has been tough to process the loss of former team-mate and “huge friend” Diogo Jota.
Kelleher had formed a close friendship with the late Portuguese star from their years at Liverpool and was a guest at his wedding, just 11 days before he and younger brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car crash in Spain.
Now plying his trade with Brentford following a summer move, the sense of loss has not lessened for Kelleher, who also acknowledged the grief that still reverberates around Anfield.
“It’s not been the easiest of times for me, personally, and for the lads at Liverpool it’s going to be difficult,” the 26-year-old said.
“He’s going to be a big miss.
“I’ve lost a huge friend, so it’s been difficult, as you’d imagine.”
‘World Cup qualification is our objective’
Kelleher made 67 appearances for Liverpool but had to content himself with being the understudy to the Reds’ Brazil keeper Alisson.
His transfer to Brentford saw him join a mini Irish contingent that includes international team-mate Nathan Collins, with former Republic of Ireland player and coach Keith Andrews now managing the Bees.
Kelleher has achieved his aim of becoming first-choice keeper at a club, and is delighted with how things have started in west London.
“I feel a lot more comfortable and confident getting that weekly game time,” said the Cork man.
“It’s a good change for me and hopefully it pays dividends for the national team as well. It’s been a positive change for me. I’m getting more confidence and gaining experience every week.”
He is hoping to bring that club form into Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (19:45 BST).
After a difficult start to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s tenure, things have slowly begun to turn, with a pair of victories against Bulgaria ensuring they retained their place in Nations League B.
The next objective is to push on and target World Cup qualification with Kelleher hopeful they can open their Group F campaign in perfect style on Saturday.
“That’s certainly the target for us,” said Kelleher, who identified former Liverpool team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai as one of Hungary’s main threats.
“It would be ideal to start off with a victory against one of our bigger rivals in the group. A draw isn’t the end of the world, but the next step for us is to qualify for a major tournament, so we need to start off with a win.”