Caoimhin Kelleher‘s lack of first-choice status for Ireland’s goalkeepers has surprised Jurgen Klopp.
Since Alisson Becker was first sidelined by an illness and then a hamstring injury, Kelleher has been keeping goal for Liverpool in recent weeks.
Keeping a goal for Liverpool in every round of the competition thus far, the Corkman is also getting ready for next week’s Carabao Cup Final.
Like with Ireland, where Gavin Bazunu is ahead of him in the hierarchy, Kelleher is still dependent on Alisson being out of the game to gain Premier League minutes.
The two players debuted for their countries within three months of one another in 2021, but Bazunu was the one chosen by former manager Stephen Kenny; Kelleher only had eleven caps, while Bazunu had 21.
Ireland’s goalkeeping problem is discussed by Jurgen Klopp.
After Kelleher participated in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday, Klopp said the 25-year-old ought to start for Ireland in place of Bazunu, despite not knowing who is preventing him from playing.
The soon-to-be former Reds manager said, “He was outstanding.” “I don’t know exactly, to be honest, who is the number one [goalkeeper] in Ireland but if they have a better goalkeeper than him I have to say, ‘respect.'”
“We gave him more games this year than he had last, and he’s fantastic. He’s needed, so it’s highly deserved.
“It remains to be seen how long Ali is out, but Caoimhin is outstanding. He was… amazing! today! An A-plus performance was given.
The 2022 Wembley spectacular, in which Kelleher scored the winning goal in a thrilling penalty shootout after maintaining a clean sheet in a scoreless draw, will be replicated in next week’s Carabao Cup Final against Chelsea.
Future Irish managers will undoubtedly be watching Kelleher as he attempts to help Liverpool win more trophies.