Caoimhin Kelleher sent the perfect response to Arne Slot as the Liverpool goalkeeper once again showed his class on the international stage
Despite being linked with a move away from the Reds during the summer, the 25-year-old has stayed put at Anfield, where he has established himself as a more-than able deputy to Alisson Becker over the past few years.
The Irishman impressed when he was given an extended run in the side amid Alisson’s injury problems last season, including an outstanding display as Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
His spot as the Reds’ No.2 though looks as though it will soon come under pressure.
Liverpool completed the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili during the summer transfer window, with the Georgia international set to link up with the Reds next season.
His arrival though will no doubt put a bit question mark over both Alisson and Kelleher’s futures at the club.
The latter though sent a timely reminder of his class as he started for the Republic of Ireland against England in the Nations League.
Although there was little he could do to prevent the Three Lions from racing into a 2-0 lead in Dublin, Kelleher nevertheless showed some of his best form.
With England searching for a second following Declan Rice’s opener, Kelleher produced a superb save to deny Harry Kane when the visitors’ captain looked set to tuck the ball away.
The Liverpool stopper had also been called upon on a couple of occasions in the lead-up to Rice’s goal.
And Kelleher remained alert right until the end, denying Jarrod Bowen from close range in stoppage time before producing a fine save to deny Bukayo Saka, and keep the scoreline down
How many opportunities Kelleher will receive at club level this season remains to be seen, with the Reds back in the Champions League after last year’s brief excursion in the Europa League.
He’s certainly done his chances of getting game time no harm though after his first-half showing for Ireland.
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