Liverpool are through to the EFL Cup final once again, after seeing out a 3-2 aggregate victory over Fulham with a draw at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.
Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher was between the sticks for Jurgen Klopp's side in west London, on a night which may have been slightly nervier than Klopp may have wished.
Winger Luis Diaz had Liverpool 1-0 up within the opening ten minutes, but Fulham had plenty of chances either side of half-time before Issa Diop equalised with just 15 minutes left to play, setting up a tense close to the game.
Kelleher contributed a strong save from Raul Jimenez in the opening stages of the game but was far less solid in failing to claim a cross in the second half, nearly setting up a goal for Andreas Pereira.
Overall, the Corkman will be content with his performance in a rare outing for Liverpool but it is no secret that his lack of game time has led to question marks in recent months as to whether he would be better off looking for a move away from Anfield.
It is of course immensely challenging to fight your way to being the number one choice when your main rival is arguably the best goalkeeper in world football, but the sporadic nature of Kelleher's game time must be frustrating for the Irishman.
Speaking after the game, Klopp hinted that he was aware of Kelleher's frustration.
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Fulham v Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp praises Caoimhín Kelleher
(Klopp's answer on Caoimhín Kelleher begins at 7:20 in the above video)
In his post-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp was asked to comment on rotating Caoimhín Kelleher in for the EFL Cup, with scarce opportunities elsewhere.
Klopp admitted that the high level to which Alisson is operating makes it difficult for Kelleher to win any meaningful game time for Liverpool - but praised him for his attitude when called upon:
Caoimh is a top, top, top, top goalie. When Ali is fit, then he [Kelleher] doesn't have a lot of games. So, when I want to give him desperately the opportunity to play - because it's important for development - then he's on top of that. He's always there, he's giving absolutely everything...but, either way, it's the same.
They deserve moments. This competition, I told Ali before the season, two years ago was already like that [Kelleher starting].
Despite the praise for Kelleher's commitment, Klopp hinted that visible signs have started to creep through suggesting the Corkman is growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities.
Klopp said that Kelleher is "not smiling a lot" but hoped that EFL Cup final glory would go some way to changing that:
I don't know exactly how many games he's played now...but that's how it works. He was really happy after the game today. He's not smiling a lot - at least when I'm around - but afterwards I could see he was really happy about qualifying again and having a chance again to win a second trophy in his career, which would be a big one.
It is widely expected that Klopp will remain loyal to the Irishman between the sticks for the EFL Cup final next month against Chelsea.
This year's decider is a repeat of the 2022 game, which saw Kelleher keep a clean sheet and convert his spot-kick in the penalty shootout, in the first of two cup final victories that season for Liverpool over Chelsea.
There have been quiet whispers that Liverpool may be preparing for Caoimhín Kelleher's departure this summer - either way, one can only hope that he will be given his chance to help them to cup glory at Wembley in the meantime.
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