Kelleher Happy to Stay as Understudy For Now

Speaking before Ireland’s friendly against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium, Liverpool FC no. 2 Caoimhin Kelleher revealed his thoughts about being leapfrogged for his country’s starting goalkeeper spot by Gavin Bazunu.

An injury in March this year and the fact that Bazunu, the Manchester City loanee, gets regular minutes at Portsmouth, while Kelleher only really plays when Alisson Becker is injured or for cup competitions, Jürgen Klopp doesn’t prioritise has seen the former leapfrog him for the starting spot. On this, he said:

“Liverpool want me to stay. I’m number two this season, and it’s a good position to be in, I think. Hopefully, it’s a chance to play some games and the opportunity to play at a high level.”

“It’s different for everyone: different individuals, it’s different journeys. The way my career is going is completely different, so I don’t have any regrets.”

“I am happy to do what I do and how it has turned out. If I need to have a conversation about playing more games, I’ll have it. I’m in a good position where I am.”

Since he started against Ajax due to an injury to Alisson last season, he has made six appearances, with four of them coming in cup matches, the most recent against Norwich in the Carabao Cup. He’s looked natural and reliable, and a new long-term contract suggests that the club has faith in him. For now, the advantages of training day-in, day-out with world-class elite level players will outweigh the need for game-time. Kelleher will likely be called upon on Saturday as the Reds make their way to Vicarage Road to face Claudio Ranieri’s Watford.