Caoimhin Kelleher's superb progress shows no sign of relenting. The Cork youngster has today signed a new contract with Liverpool, after a pre-season campaign that has culminated in his being recognised as a member of Jurgen Klopp's first-team squad.
"I’m very happy to sign a long deal with the club. I’m really enjoying my football here so I was happy to sign. Once the deal came in and I was happy, it was an easy decision really,” Kelleher told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I’ve been doing the same things but getting better every day. Training at Melwood, you improve much more".
It was reported by the Liverpool Echo at the weekend that Kelleher is now viewed by Klopp as a first-teamer, and the third choice goalkeeper behind Alisson Becker and Simon Mignolet.
Speaking to Balls after a pre-season win over Napoli, Klopp showered Kelleher in glowing praise.
He is an outstanding talent. Outstanding. Very cool with the ball, you saw that in pre-season when he played in front of 100,000 people, that he wasn't bothered about that which is a very important skill to have. For most of his youth he was an outfield player, he has fantastic reactions.
If nothing serious happens, he will have a really fantastic future. I don't know how many really good goalkeepers that Ireland have but one more is never a big problem. I like him a lot and he will be in our squad.
Simon Mignolet remains eager to leave Liverpool, although it is reported that the club will not allow the Belgian goalkeeper to leave the club this summer. If, at any point, however, either Mignolet or Alisson aren't in a matchday squad, Kelleher will likely be on the bench, at least.
