Having been at Liverpool for the best part of a decade, you get the sense that Caoimhín Kelleher is about to embark on the most important period of his career over the coming weeks.
The Cork man has long been one of the most reliable backup goalkeepers in world football, although his playing time at Anfield has been severely limited due to the presence of Alisson Becker. This season has been somewhat different, with Liverpool's presence in the Europa League offering him more opportunities than normal.
Those reps earlier in the campaign could be key over the coming weeks, with Kelleher set to play a massive role for the team.
He was always going to be in the team for this weekend's Carabao Cup final, with a Europa League last-16 tie against Sparta Praha also on the horizon. However, an injury to Alisson (which will rule him out until the end of March) means that the Irishman will also get an opportunity to star in the Premier League.
That includes a massive clash against Manchester City at Anfield next month, a fixture with huge title ramifications.
READ HERE: John Egan's Club Future Looks Very Uncertain After Chris Wilder Comments
Caoimhín Kelleher hints that Liverpool decision has been justified
At 25-years old, Caoimhín Kelleher is reaching a point in his career where he needs to be playing on a consistent basis. Many felt that he would have been better served leaving Liverpool last summer, with quite a few clubs said to have been interested in his services.
However, the player himself has hinted that his decision to stay put is now paying dividends.
Speaking to Liverpool's official matchday programme, Kelleher said he now feels more 'established' than ever as he looks to guide the club through a potentially decisive period over the next month or so.
I've been here a few years now as number two keeper in the club so I feel a bit more established and I've been getting a few more games.
Experience is a huge part of being a goalkeeper so I'm gaining that now by playing more games and I feel a bit more part of it and ready when needed.
Playing in the Premier League is different as maybe the level is up a bit, but when you play a club like Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final it just feels like a Premier League game.
There is a good mood throughout the whole club, there's a cup final to look forward to and we're top of the Premier League, so it can't get much better at the moment. It has been good this season to have a lot more games than previously. The last few weeks I've been getting a run in the team and it's a chance to get in a good rhythm.
A Carabao Cup triumph against Chelsea this weekend would be an ideal way to get this period underway, a result that would ensure silverware for Jurgen Klopp during his final season at the club.
After that, Caoimhín Kelleher will be aiming to help Liverpool cement their place at the top of Premier League. If they do go on to win the title this season, he certainly would have played his part.
SEE ALSO: Report - Some Big Clubs Interested In Irish Youngster With Ridiculous Goalscoring Record
