Republic of Ireland No.1 choice goalkeeper is facing the prospect of being No.3 choice at his club, Blackburn, after American Brad Friedel arrived at the club yesterday.

This will give the Irish hero no choice but to request a transfer from Ewood Park. Kelly's international aspirations would not allow him to contemplate sitting on the bench for a Division One outfit for the remainder of the season.

This is the latest move in what looks like a concerted effort by Blackburn manager Graeme Souness to weed out the Irish from the north-west club.

Souness has declared that Friedel will be his No.1 choice once he is installed at the club, which will force Kelly and Australian John Filan to search for other clubs.

Souness said: "I couldn't say no to Brad, having worked with him for a year at Galatasaray. He is a very good keeper who will cost the club nothing in transfer fees. Once the formality of signing the contract is out of the way, he'll be my number-one goalkeeper.

"It is my responsibility to strengthen the team in all areas and I have done that by signing Brad. In my opinion he didn't get a fair crack of the whip at Liverpool, but he will certainly get that here.

"Obviously his arrival will lead to somebody leaving the club. I am sympathetic towards John Filan and Alan Kelly because neither of them has let me down.

"I wanted to strengthen my hand on the goalkeeping front, though, and I feel I have done that."