Watching Caoimhín Kelleher, you get the sense that he is just waiting for an opportunity to shine.
The Cork man has been very impressive during his limited opportunities for both Liverpool and Ireland, although it is unclear when he will get a consistent run in either of those teams. He has one of the world's finest goalkeepers ahead of him at Liverpool in Alisson Becker, while Gavin Bazunu has not put a foot wrong since taking over as Ireland's number one.
Despite this, it is clear that Kelleher has a huge future in the game.
Speaking to The Athletic, Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg summed up just how impressed he has been with the 23-year old, saying he would have no issue starring at either club or international whenever called upon.
Caoimhín is most of the time in the same rhythm as Ali but obviously doesn’t play as many of the games, so we need to make sure he gets his speed reactions and his crosses and his kicking in to ensure he’s ready. A lot of thinking and planning goes into it...
Caoimhín is doing really well. Unbelievable speed and reactions, but he’s also calm.
He’s learned a lot from working with Ali (Alisson). He’s become a man now. He could play every game for his national team, no danger. He has shown that he can play in the Premier League. At the moment, he’s in the right shape and in the right mindset.
I feel confident that if Ali has an issue and cannot play, then we have someone like him to put in. It’s a good feeling for us as coaches to have.
At some point in the future, there could be a time when Caoimhín might decide he wants to be a No 1. I have no doubt about his ability to achieve that...
In the end, only one goalie plays for Liverpool and currently we have the best in the world in Ali. We also have one of the best young talents around in Caoimhín, so I don’t think we can complain.
The question for Kelleher now is how long he should remain as a backup for Liverpool. As Achterberg suggests, he may decide that he needs to become a number one someday soon in the future.
Shay Given believes that time needs to come as soon as possible, although you get the sense from Kelleher that he is happy to bide his time at Anfield for now.
He certainly has time on his side, with 23-years old still very young for a goalkeeper even if he does have the talent to contribute at the top level now.
SEE ALSO: Shay Given Advises Caoimhín Kelleher To Seek Liverpool Exit This Month
