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20th Jul 2018

Cork keeper replaces Loris Karius in Liverpool friendly

Niall McIntyre

Fair play to the young Rebel.

19-year-old Cork man Caoimhín Kelleher was brought on as a second half substitute to replace the under fire Loris Karius during the Pool’s Friendly win over Blackburn on Thursday evening.

Kelleher, who joined Liverpool’s academy from Cork side Ringmahon Rangers in 2015 wasn’t too busy in his half an hour on the pitch, but tellingly, Jurgen Klopp’s side would go on to score the game’s only goals shortly after his introduction.

Coincidence? We think not.

The Ireland under-21 ‘keeper has made a name for himself over the last while with a string of fine performances for the Merseyside club’s under-19 and under-21 teams, and it’s believed that he’ll be pushing for the role of second choice keeper for the forthcoming season.

Klopp has previously spoken highly of the Irish man, who’s highly thought of at the club.

“The young ones have made really big steps with Kamil  Grabaraand Caoimhín Kelleher and the situation around our goalkeepers is really good,” said Klopp last year.

After what seemed like years of waiting for Pool fans, the club finally splashed out on a netminder on Thursday in Brazil’s number one for the World Cup Alisson.

In a night of firsts for Liverpool, Lazar Markovic scored his first goal in what seemed like an eternity to open the scoring after 63 minutes.

This was swiftly followed by a goal from Daniel Sturridge, who completed his first 45 minutes in a long time.

This all came after the Irish man made his senior debut for the club.

Here’s hoping the Cork man continues his progress.

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