Cork's Caoimhin Kelleher made his Champions League debut for Liverpool last night and it couldn't have gone much better. With Alisson missing due the hamstring injury, the 22 year-old was called upon by Jurgen Klopp and delivered for his manager. Liverpool beat Ajax 1-0 on the night, thanks to a Curtis Jones goal, and two outstanding Kelleher saves.
Kelleher 🧤❌
A BIG save from the #UCL debutant in the 88th minute! pic.twitter.com/nvHBJxvTCC— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 1, 2020
They were among number of solid saves by Kelleher over the 90s minutes. Almost as importantly, his overall performance beyond his shotstopping was comfortable and assured. The win secured Liverpool safe passage to the Last 16 of the Champions League with a game to spare.
After the game, Klopp made a beeline for his goalkeeper who he later admitted had usurped Adrian as Liverpool's number two goalkeeper due to his "natural football playing ability".
You absolutely love to see it 😍 #LIVAJA pic.twitter.com/1oeN8GRPjv
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 1, 2020
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, a truly delighted Klopp talked up "Kweev" and explained his decision to pick him over Adrian.
I really think Adrian did for us an incredible job when he came in late last season.
I don’t know how many clean sheets, Super Cup final, Champions League, played everywhere. But now, in this game we needed the football playing ability, the natural football playing ability of Kweev.
And because he’s a really good shot-stopper as well, we made that decision. They are all calm in the moment when they get the information but there’s a difference to be that on the pitch.
I’m really happy how he dealt with it and how calm he was and how good he was. It was a good game!
"Honestly since I've been at Liverpool that's one of the biggest results."
"Curtis Jones is a really good kid. A really good player."
"I'm really happy how Caoimhín Kelleher dealt with it. How calm he was."
Jürgen Klopp lauds praise on his Liverpool team!
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/iqKaLMYbQ1— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020
Kelleher himself also spoke to BT after the game, and made it clear he wants to get more games under his belt in the near future, along with the other young stars of the Liverpool team last night.
That's what we're there for. We're not here just to take part. We want to push every day, and try to play as many games as we can. You can see that now that we're actually making a difference and we're improving the team as well.
"Yeah jeez my phone's been hoppin'" 😂
Caoimhín Kelleher with a night he will never forget 🙌
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/oeHauTigod— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020
SEE ALSO: Pure Chance Turned A Teenage Caoimhin Kelleher Into A Goalkeeper
