Cork's Caoimhín Kelleher keeps playing - and showing why he deserves to be much more than Liverpool's fall-back guy.
The Ireland international put in yet another very strong performance in the 1-0 win away to RB Leipzig last night, with no drama, no mistakes and the kind of authority that makes coaches very happy indeed. It may have 'only' been his fourth club appearance of the season in all competitions, but Kelleher continues to make the most of first-choice Alisson Becker's injury-enforced absences.
Becker is out for another few weeks at least - which means more game time and more chances to impress for Kelleher. When the final whistle went last night, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk turned to celebrate with the Irish international, showing what they thought of his performance.
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Last night's appearance in Leipzig was only Kelleher's first Champions League appearance since December 2020 - but speaking afterwards, he said he was ready to push for the Liverpool number one shirt this season. That's the goal, even if he has already said that he sees his long-term future away from Anfield.
"All I can do is play well when I get the chance and give the manager something to think about," said the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.
"Most importantly, I do well when I do get the opportunities and show what I'm about."
"One of the lads asked me before the game when was my last Champions League game. I think it was maybe three years ago. It's special to be back in this tournament and to get the clean sheet was nice."
Anfield watchers say there is concern at the growing tendency of Alisson Becker to pick up injuries, with the 32-year-old out for a few weeks at least as the Premiership season moves towards the crucial Christmas period. Kelleher may have said he'll be moving on from Merseyside, but there's a growing chance that Arne Slot and his team are prepared to offer more to make him stay.
It's been a great start for the new manager, his side are now the first in Liverpool history to have won each of their opening six away fixtures of a season, 11 victories out of 12 games in all competitions.
“A big part of that is the clean sheets and the defending, that’s what the team needs to be built on,” said Kelleher. “Especially in these away games.
“There’s obviously going to be times when the home team gets on top and creates chances, but we need to be there to defend and make saves. That’s the most important thing.
“This season especially we’ve really built on our defence and been really good.”
Next up is another away trip, to Emirates Stadium this weekend for a much-anticipated Premier League encounter with Arsenal.
“Obviously everyone knows it’s a massive game coming now on Sunday. Keeping the momentum is important for us; another clean sheet and scoring a goal as well.
“We’ll be ready now for Sunday and we know we need a lot more.”
