Kelleher hopes to boost Premier League action

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Liverpool’s rookie goalkeeper in Cork, Caoimhin Kelleher, hopes his inspired European debut has done enough to earn him his first Premier League start.

The 22-year-old was right in a 1-0 win over Ajax that guaranteed the Reds top spot in their Champions League group with a match to spare.

Kelleher, with just four national cup appearances behind him last season, combined reliability with moments of outstanding quality, highlighted by his 88th-minute save from veteran forward Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

With a hamstring problem that already rules out Alisson Becker from Sunday’s visit to the Wolves and potentially from the following weekend’s trip to Fulham (he would not have been considered for next Wednesday’s dead game against Midtjylland ), there is a key vacancy to fill.

Jurgen Klopp’s preference for Kelleher over the second established choice, Adrian, was based on his soccer prowess, with the manager emphasizing that it was a ‘field horse’ selection.

But having seized his chance, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international hopes that he is now the man in possession.

“I’m working hard every day in training, preparing myself. I’m always thinking that if an opportunity presents itself, I will have to be prepared,” he told the club’s website.

“That’s why I work every day, and luckily all that work paid off.

“That’s all I can do. When I get my chance, I just need to take it. I think I’ve done well, so I hope I can move on and if I get another chance, just take it again.”

After Klopp’s vote of confidence, Kelleher received a pre-game message of support from both Alisson and Adrian and a big bear hug from their coach at the final whistle.

“I didn’t see Ali but I got a text message before the game just to say good luck to me. Adrian was very supportive,” he added.

“He said, ‘I’m with you 100% and supporting you no matter what.’ Getting that from him was really nice of him.”

On Klopp’s post-match celebration after he headed straight for his goalkeeper, Kelleher, who conceded seven against Manchester City Under-23s on Saturday, said: get a hug.

“He just said he deserved it, so it was a good moment for me.”

The applause continued to flood with captain Jordan Henderson full of praise for the Champions League rookie.

“Incredible, huh? Exceptional, some of the saves he made, important,” said the midfielder.

“His distribution was excellent, coming out and dominating his area. I thought he was outstanding and a real advantage for us.”

Liverpool now have a five-day break before their next game, during which time Klopp will wait for good news on the injury front after Henderson (back) and Andy Robertson (ankle) played through punches.

There is also the possibility that midfielder Naby Keita (hamstring) could be back, while defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (twin) is not far from returning.

“That’s a big gap for us, not a small one,” Henderson added.

“We have to use that as best we can, recover and prepare for a difficult game because the Wolves are a good team.

“They had a great win the other day against Arsenal so they will be prepared for it. It is another difficult game for us, but we will recover and prepare for that one.”

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