Ireland ace Caoimhin Kelleher looks to shed title given by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool and Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher wants more Premier League football.
Caoimhin Kelleher says he is desperate to shed a title that was given to him by his former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Ireland goalkeeper wants to establish himself as a regular starter, but finds his route to the first-11 at Anfield blocked by Alisson.
A hamstring injury to the Brazil star during Saturday’s 1-0 win against Crystal Palace means Kelleher is likely to feature immediately after the international break.
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But he no longer wants to be known for being a top-class replacement.
Klopp was speaking over two years ago when he described the Corkman as “the best number two goalie in the world.”
The then Reds boss meant it as a compliment, as he could barely believe his luck at having not just one but two top-class netminders in his squad.
However, it is a reputation that Kelleher is finally looking to shake off. He said: “I's not a title I want - I want to be playing week in, week out.
“At the moment the situation for me is I'll get these opportunities and I need to do well when I get these opportunities and play well, so that is my main focus obviously. Just when I do get that chance, play well.
"It is important I play week in, week out now and get that number one position. I have to show everyone I am capable and good enough to play week in, week out.
“I feel I have the quality to play well when needed, even if that means I'm not playing a game in a few weeks I can come in and still show my quality, so that's the most important part - to be ready when called upon.”
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is likely to call on Kelleher when the Premier League returns after the upcoming international break. They host Chelsea on October 20 and are away to RB Leipzig in the Champions League three days later.
Providing an update on Alisson’s latest injury, Slot said: “The latest is that we don't know but what we do know is that if a player walks off like he did, that normally means that he is not in the Brazil squad and I don't expect him to be in the team in the first game we play after (the international break).
“We have to wait and see, but it is going to take a few weeks I assume for him to be back. I think it is (his hamstring).”
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