If any Irish player had a "breakout season" in 2023-24, it was Liverpool's Corkonian keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The 25-year-old has been known as a bright prospect for years but, with the world's best goalkeeper ahead of him in the pecking order at Anfield, regular minutes at the highest level have been hard to come by.
Kelleher got his break this season when Alisson was sidelined for two months due to a hamstring injury. In the Brazilian's absence, Kelleher impressed, playing a crucial role in Liverpool's Carabao Cup victory and playing ten consecutive Premier League games during a crunch period of the season.
However, the status quo was quickly reinstated once Alisson returned from injury, with Kelleher once again resigned to a role on the bench.
The Corkman's spell in the starting XI has elevated his status in the game but it does not seem to have made any dent in Alisson's grip on the starting spot between the sticks.
In an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday, Kelleher revealed that he was no longer content to sit on the bench, hinting that a move away from Anfield could be on the cards.
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Caoimhín Kelleher makes ambitions clear in Athletic interview
23 March 2024; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher makes a save during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Just before his run of games early this year, Caoimhín Kelleher had been repeatedly linked with a move away from Liverpool. The lack of game-time in the relative youth of his career was seen as an issue for the Irishman - though he will have been glad that he saw out this campaign at the club, at least.
Judging by his interview with the Athletic, he may once again be open to a move away.
Kelleher said that, off the back of his impressive run between the sticks, his ambition was now to establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper - whether that be at Liverpool or elsewhere.
I got the taste for it and I want to do it all the time. My main ambition is to be a No 1.
It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.
I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.
Kelleher also revealed that he had a heart-to-heart with Jurgen Klopp last summer in which he told the Liverpool manager he "needed to kick on for his career." Klopp convinced him to stay, for fear of bad fortune befalling Alisson.
Klopp has now departed Anfield but there is no hint that Alisson will be doing likewise any time soon. As long as Becker is at Liverpool, it is unlikely that Kelleher will wrestle his way into the team - something he knows he must do if he is to become Ireland's number one.
As a kid growing up in Ireland, the national team is the biggest thing. My ambition is to be Ireland’s No 1. I want to help take us to major tournaments. That’s a big objective of mine but to really stake my claim I need to be playing week in and week out.
Caoimhín Kelleher was yesterday named in Ireland's squad for the upcoming friendlies against Hungary (June 4) and Portugal (June 11).
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