This is a very promising sign for the young Irishman.
News broke on Tuesday that Kieran O’Hara was a surprise inclusion in the Manchester United squad which traveled to Russia for the Europa League round of 16 clash against FC Rostov.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper also made the journey to France when Jose Mourinho’s side defeated St Etienne but he was left out of the matchday squad. Sergio Romero was put between the posts while David de Gea sat on the bench.
O’Hara is not expected to make the matchday squad this time either, but it is a very promising sign for the young goalkeeper who qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his grandparents. With Joel Pereira and Dean Henderson injured and Sam Johnstone is on loan at Aston Villa, O’Hara will have the opportunity to gain some vital experience in and around the first team squad.
The youngster was born in Stretford, but with his Irish roots, he’s always been aware of his eligibility to play for the Boys in Green, as he told FAI.ie.
“My grandparents on my father’s side were both from Galway. My Dad was very pleased. His side of the family are really proud and so is my Mum, of course.”
“We’ve still got relatives in Ireland. My Dad’s aunt is still living in Galway and we’d always go to visit her when I was younger. She lives on a farm. I’d always have a Galway GAA shirt as well when I was a kid.”
