Sky Sports pundit Chris Baird was blown away by Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell for his performance in Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win against Estonia on Thursday night.
Peacock-Farrell has not played for the Whites since mid-January due to Kiko Casilla’s arrival at Elland Road, but there were no signs of rustiness from the 22-year-old, who made a crucial save at 1-0 to help his nation win all three points in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.
Ex-Northern Ireland and West Brom defender Baird has been impressed by Peacock-Farrell ever since he broke into Michael O’Neill’s side, and has suggested that the Leeds ace is a good all-round goalkeeper.
“He has [impressed me],” Baird said on Sky Sports Main Event during the post-match analysis on Thursday night [09:49pm].
“When I retired from the international side, he came in after me so I don’t really know him personally, but from the games I’ve watched him at, he’s been fantastic.
“He’s good with the ball at his feet, he’s a good shot-stopper, and you can see tonight that he comes up with big saves.”
OPINION
It is great news for Leeds fans to hear that Peacock-Farrell played well in Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 qualifier. He has dropped down to the fringes of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, having not made an appearance since January 19, but he will more than likely start against Millwall next week with Casilla suspended. The ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper was sent off in the late stages of the defeat to Sheffield United and will be forced to miss the next Championship game. Luckily, Peacock-Farrell will go into that game having had a good performance for Northern Ireland and he will hopefully be able to cope with Millwall’s attack. It is not an ideal situation for Peacock-Farrell to be in because no goalkeeper should be happy being a number two. However his performances had become a bit of a worry for Leeds and it was definitely a good call by Bielsa to sign Casilla in January.