Caoimhin Kelleher continued to build his stock in Liverpool as he kept another clean sheet in their key win against Aston Villa on Saturday night.
The Cork native was outstanding again, notably making two stellar saves from consecutive corners to keep the hosts 1-0 ahead, prior to Mo Salah sealing a 2-0 win at Anfield late on.
Kelleher, who will now report for Ireland duty during the upcoming international break, has made life without Alisson of little concern for Liverpool as their main goalkeeper continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The Irishman has deputised on a difficult run of fixtures which have seen The Reds beat: Chelsea; RB Leipzig, Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa while also claiming a valuable point away to Arsenal.
Back-to-back brilliant saves from Kelleher 🧤❌ pic.twitter.com/4311lQJL6C
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 10, 2024
There has been a widespread clamour from Liverpool supporters on social media for Kelleher to keep his place when Alisson is deemed fit again, such has been the quality of his performances.
The 25-year-old had been linked with the exit door in the summer but remained on the books at Anfield, something which has worked out well for both parties.
Arne Slot's Comments Made Tough Reading For Coaimhin Kelleher
However, his status as second-choice seems set in stone despite his series of strong showings if manager Arne Slot's post-match comments are anything to go by.
First of all, Alisson needs to become fit,” Slot said in his press conference after the win.
“I have always been quite clear, that’s always been the position of Alisson.
“He is and will be our first goalkeeper if he is fit. But first he needs to be fit.
“But Caoimh has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper.”
A tough reality for Kelleher, that is for sure.
Alisson - one of the best goalkeepers to ever grace the Premier League - is world class but his injury issues have hindered him in recent seasons.
Now 32, he has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia and few Liverpool fans would begrudge him for making that switch after what has been a decorated seven years at the club.
However, it appears in spite of those factors he remains the main man for the job under the new management regime.
With Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also acquired during the summer and sent back out on loan, it's clear that Kelleher's long-term prospects of first-team football at Anfield are questionable at best.
His brilliant form should help earn him some more playing time at a big club elsewhere, that us for sure.
