It was some night for Caoimhín Kelleher.
Starring in Liverpool’s Champions League group stage win over Ajax, the Cork man became the first Irish player to play in the Champions League since 2016 – when Eoghan O’Connell played for Celtic against Barcelona – and indeed the first Irish goalkeeper ever to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League group stages.
Kelleher is only 22 years of age, has been at Liverpool since 2015 – making League and FA Cup appearances since – but this was a significant breakthrough for him,
In the absence of the injured Alisson, Klopp placed his faith in Kelleher – rather than Adrian – and the Irishman has been widely tipped to hold onto that number one spot for Liverpool’s clash with Wolves in the Premier League this Sunday.
Up against a talented Ajax side, Jurgen Klopp’s team were under pressure as they aimed to book their place in the Champions League round of 16, and the young goalkeeper met the challenge head on, making two brilliant saves on the night.
Mercy! What a stop from Caoimhín Kelleher 👐 pic.twitter.com/LgBYN6GZ0o
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 1, 2020
Afterwards, Jurgen Klopp greeted the youngster with a warm embrace to round off a fantastic night for him. On BT Sport, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical about the youngster, with Owen summing up well how much it will mean to him.
“It’s just great. You can’t help but smile watching that interview,” said the former Liverpool player.
“It takes you back to when you were young and how much it means to you. This is 20 years of hopes and dreams and to get your chance, to not let people down and to be one of the heroes, because he was tonight. There were three young lads out there and they all contributed tonight.”
"You can't help but smile!" @themichaelowen
"He's going to get more games." @petercrouch
"He produced for Klopp." @rioferdy5
That was a dream Champions League debut for Caoimhin Kelleher ☘️🔴 pic.twitter.com/6GlW3RHLRx
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 1, 2020
“Alisson has had his injury problems and that was a big call to keep Adrian out today, For him to come in and play as assured as that, he’s going to get more games,” added Crouch.
Klopp meanwhile, mentioned that Kelleher’s footballing ability was one of the key reasons why he was chosen ahead of Alisson.
“I really think Adrian has done for us an incredible job. But tonight, in this game, we needed the football playing ability, the natural football playing ability of Caoimhín, and because he’s a really good shot-stopper as-well…I’m really happy how Caoimhín Kelleher dealt with it. How calm he was and how good he was.”
We’ll leave the last word to the man himself.
"Yeah jeez my phone's been hoppin'" 😂
Caoimhín Kelleher with a night he will never forget 🙌
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/oeHauTigod
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 1, 2020
