After five long months, Ireland will return to action tomorrow evening when they host Belgium at the Aviva Stadium.
The visitors arrive into the game as the world's number one ranked side, although they will be fielding a side that does not really resemble their first choice XI. Manager Roberto Martinez has opted to exclude any players with 50 international caps or more from his squad for this month's friendlies.
However, there is still likely to be a number of familiar names on show. The likes of Youri Tielemans, Divock Origi, and Thorgan Hazard have all been included.
As for Ireland, one player that will certainly be granted an opportunity it Caoimhín Kelleher.
With Gavin Bazunu and Mark Travers both ruled out due to injury, it is expected that the Liverpool man will start against both Belgium and Lithuania in the days ahead.
Having acted as backup to Bazunu last year, this is his chance to stake claim for a place in the team in the competitive fixtures later this year.
Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow's game, Stephen Kenny confirmed that Kelleher is set to start both fixtures this month. It is an opportunity that has been coming for a while now.
In Caoimhín's two matches to date, against Qatar and Hungary, he hasn't conceded a goal. He deserves his chance because he has been absolutely excellent...
We have competition for places and that's a good thing. You never know for June or September who is fit or not fit, whatever issues there are. It's good to have that depth and level of competition...
He has all-around qualities. His composure under pressure, his athleticism, his ability to make brilliant saves.
He has been in a great environment at Liverpool for a few years now, training at a very high standard and playing in the games he has been playing in. He has very good experience.
In Kelleher and Bazunu, Ireland have two of the most highly touted young goalkeepers in English football at the moment. That pair, along with Mark Travers, are likely to battle it out for the Irish no. 1 jersey for a number of years to come.
They have the potential to become world class players in a few years if their early careers are anything to go by.
Coleman massively impressed by Caoimhín Kellher & Gavin Bazunu
Seamus Coleman said that while both players need to keep their feet on the ground, it is difficult not to be hugely impressed by their ability.
It's early days, you don't want to put too much pressure on either of them at the moment.
But to be completely honest with you, they are two exceptional goalkeepers. What we see in training on a daily basis from both of them, they are of a very, very high standard.
They are also two humble lads as well which is important, and both very eager to have a career in the game.
It's early days for them, but if they keep that mentality that they have along with the quality, they can go a long way. We are very excited by how they train and how they play.
A glowing reference from a player who is not all that easily impressed.
Kelleher will be given his opportunity to put down a marker in the days ahead, with this competition by no means over.
SEE ALSO: Here's The Talented Ireland Team We Want To See Against Belgium
