Garth Crooks has heaped praise on Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher for his heroics in yesterday’s Carabao Cup Final victory.
The youngster kept his place in the team having played in four of Liverpool’s five games in the build-up to the final.
Jurgen Klopp remained loyal to the Republic of Ireland international and he repaid his manager’s faith.
Kelleher was called upon to take a penalty during the 11-10 shootout victory and he despatched it with ease.
After 21 successful penalties, Kepa Arrizabalaga fired his effort into orbit and Liverpool were crowned the winners.
It was Kelleher’s performance in the 120 minutes of action that caught the eye of Crooks.
The youngster was inspired between the posts making strong stops to deny Kai Havertz and Mason Mount during normal time.
Crooks named him in his BBC Sport Team of the Week and said: “I must say, whenever I’ve seen Caoimhin Kelleher play in goal for Liverpool he looks totally unflappable.
“The Carabao Cup Final is like any final. It’s full of tension and anxiety, but for Kelleher, it seemed like a training session.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it. A goalkeeper taking the final penalty in a shootout and burying it so comprehensively, he scared the living daylights out of Kepa Arrizabalaga.”
Kelleher will continue pushing Alisson at Liverpool
Yesterday will live long in the memory of the Irishman. He deserved the chance to play in the final and Klopp granted him his wish.
The academy graduate was superb throughout. He stood up against the Chelsea pressure and didn’t look overawed by the occasion.
Klopp won’t be replacing Alisson any time soon, however, and for now, at least he will remain as the second-choice goalkeeper.
Kelleher is only 23 though and his time should come on a regular basis.
Liverpool typically fight for four trophies a season and with that in mind, it seems certain that he will continue getting plenty of game time.
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