BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool reacts during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on December 17, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
According to Liverpool Echo, the Republic of Ireland manager, Stephen Kenny believes that Caoimhin Kelleher needs more games at Liverpool. He felt that Kelleher wasn’t allowed to leave on loan because of Alisson’s injury early in the season. The third-choice keeper was believed to be heading on loan to the Netherlands but it was scuppered.
The 21-year-old Irish goalkeeper joined Liverpool’s academy in 2015 from Ringmahon Rangers. The shot-stopper was drafted to the U-18s on his arrival as he went on to make 17 appearances for the side in two seasons.
He was promoted to the U-23s in 2017. In 32 appearances for them, he kept 7 clean sheets (source – Transfermarkt). Last season, he was called up to the first-team as third-choice keeper and made his debut in an EFL Cup game against MK Dons in September.
He went on to feature 4 times in total last season, mostly in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, keeping 2 clean sheets. Kelleher has been a regular of the Ireland youth sides. He was recently called up to the senior side for their upcoming games.
In Alisson Becker, Liverpool have one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Adrian is their second choice. Over the last two seasons, Alisson has suffered two injuries early in the season that prompted Adrian to start those games. Despite producing some shoddy displays, Klopp persisted with him in goal because he was the only senior option available to him.
It is clear that Kelleher is a bit too young to be starting games. With Alisson already there, it could be a while before he gets games. The Irishman is a good shot-stopper as claimed by Liverpool’s goalkeeping coach, John Achterberg (source – Liverpool Echo). He believes that Kelleher can soon go on to appear for the first-team because he has improved a lot in the last few years.
However, with the current scenario, it would seem that Kelleher would benefit from a loan spell to another club where he can get regular game time. It was understandable that he wasn’t allowed to leave in the summer but the Reds should try to secure a temporary deal for him soon.
