Tony Cascarino shares whether he thinks Liverpool should bench Caoimhin Kelleher when Alisson Becker returns

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Caoimhin Kelleher has done an outstanding job between the sticks in the injury absence of Alisson Becker.

The Brazilian picked up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last month and hasn’t featured since, although he is on the comeback trail and should return to action after the international break.

Alisson hinted that his Liverpool comeback is on the horizon, which could spell an end to Kelleher’s dream run across all competitions.

And Tony Cascarino has made an interesting claim on Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation that is set to divide opinion among the Anfield faithful.

Liverpool advised against benching Kelleher for Alisson

Kelleher has earned rave reviews for his recent performances and also played a starring role for Ireland recently, which is a sign that his game has gone to another level this season.

However, Alisson is a club legend and has been a rock between the sticks since joining Liverpool in 2018, so he is likely to make a swift return to the starting XI.

Cascarino feels Liverpool need to think twice before Kelleher, who in his opinion, deserves to keep his place even if Alisson returns.

“They need to make Kelleher the number one, I’d hate to see him go,” said Cascarino on talkSPORT.

“Alisson’s had injuries over the past few years. He’s a terrific goalkeeper but what I’ve seen from Kelleher this season – how he’s grown, his ability on the ball and he’s got much more confidence on the ball.

“Kelleher has moved up pretty quickly and I think it’ll be a mad mistake. Arne Slot might look at him and think he’s the future and I’m not so sure he’ll drop Kelleher when Alisson is fully fit.

“I’m not convinced by that at all. He’s been sensational for Liverpool.”

What has Arne Slot said about Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation?

Just before the international break, Arne Slot made it abundantly clear that Alisson is his first-choice goalkeeper.

“First of all, Alisson needs to become fit and I’ve always been quite clear and that’s always been the position of Alisson that he is, and will be, our first goalkeeper if he is fit,” said the Dutchman after the Reds’ 2-0 win against Aston Villa.

“But, therefore, he first needs to be fit, but Caoimhin has done outstanding last season and this season again as well. But the moment Alisson will be fit, he will be our first goalkeeper.”

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