Caoimhin Kelleher has shared his pride at being included on the goalkeeping mural at Liverpool’s training ground.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup game against Derby County, Kelleher looked back on the triumph of last season.
A penalty shootout victory in the Wembley final ensured the 23-year-old’s face was painted on the new mural. And it seems that Kelleher still can’t quite believe that he’s on there.
“It’s nice to have a little glance every now and then when you’re training, to see your face up there,” said the Irishman.
“It was obviously a big incentive for myself when you’re training every day and you see the quality of ’keeper and some legends up on that wall. It’s a great thing. To have myself up there as well is special for me.”
Kelleher finally getting a run out
At this stage of the season, we could usually have expected to see the back-up goalie on at least a couple of occassions.
But owing to the mid-season World Cup, the Carabao Cup fixtures have been pushed back two months or so.
As a result, it feels like ages since we last saw Kelleher play for Liverpool. In fact, the man from County Cork last played for the Reds in that final win over Chelsea. That was in Februray.
In the in-between, Kelleher has had some injury struggles. Had the game against Derby been played when it usually would have been, then he wouldn’t have been fit.
Now, he’s back and clearly raring to go. There have been suggestions that Kelleher may look to leave the club next summer in search of a starting spot somewhere.
In that respect, it’s important that the young ‘keeper gives a good account of himself when given the chance. With Alisson Becker around, that won’t be very often.
For reserves goalkeepers, that can sometimes mean trying too hard to stand out. This can inevitably lead to mistakes. But Kelleher isn’t any old back-up goalie. He exudes absolute calmness every time he plays. His quality is clear and he’s surely heading for a No.1 berth somewhere.
In the meantime, we should enjoy him while we can. Nice to have you back, Caoimh. Now go and get your face on the mural for a second time!
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