Transfer Talk: Second fiddle Kelleher ready to be a No1 hit

Caoimhin Kelleher can take a huge step towards securing a first-team role if he gets the chance to impress  against Kylian Mbappe and Co tonight.

The Liverpool goalkeeper has long played second fiddle to Alisson at Anfield and has only managed three appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side this season.

But he has shown the potential to be a No1 elsewhere, with plenty of teams paying attention to the Reds stopper.

As the Republic of Ireland prepare for their blockbuster meeting with France, Kelleher will be eager to showcase his talents on the international scene if Southampton ace Gavin Bazunu does not get the nod.

On the move?

At 30 years old, Alisson is still in his prime and unlikely to leave Merseyside any time soon, so a lack of minutes remains an issue for Kelleher.

And given he is contracted until 2026, Liverpool can command a sizeable fee for the Cork native as they look to rebuild this summer.

Speaking on his future, the Reds' No62 hinted that a potential exit could be on the cards.

He said: "I am quite relaxed, so I don't mind watching, but obviously I'd rather be playing but I just try to be as focused as I can be when I watch, so I am ready if I am needed.

"We'll just see what the season brings and then after that we'll see what happens after that. But at the moment, I just have to be focused on trying to be ready for Liverpool."

Cup keeper

Kelleher is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season but he has been a key figure in the Merseysiders' cup fixtures.

The 24-year-old started in their Carabao Cup win over Derby and produced three penalty shootout saves to set up a meeting with Manchester City.

Klopp's side went on to lose that tie 3-2 but Kelleher put in another impressive display, making five stops from shots inside the box.

He also played against Wolves in the Reds' 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory but was replaced by Alisson against Brighton in the next round as Liverpool fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Klopp hails top stops

Liverpool boss Klopp spoke of Kelleher with glowing admiration after the penalty shootout triumph over Derby.

He said: "I've said before, I think we have the best No2 in the world.

"He [Kelleher] has had problems with injuries this season but when he's fit he's outstanding. He's good on the ball.

"And the last penalty save is one of the best you have ever saw. All three actually I thought were brilliant."

London calling?

One club which could be in the market for a keeper this summer is Tottenham, with Kelleher looking like an ideal candidate.

And former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has backed any potential move to North London.

Speaking last month, he said: "Kelleher should consider a move away and a club that he would fit in perfectly is Tottenham.

"Hugo Lloris is 36, he has had a few injuries and has retired from the [France] national team — he is not the future anymore.

"[Fraser] Forster is also 34 [now 35], so Tottenham may need a refresh in that department.

"Kelleher is 24 years old. In the cup fixtures last season, especially [in the Carabao Cup final] against Chelsea, he was really good.

"If he wants to cement his own legacy, he should leave and join Tottenham."

Facing France

The Republic of Ireland Ireland face a tough test against recent World Cup runners-up France, who will be aiming to secure their European Championship qualification as quickly as possible.

Mbappe has been announced as Les Bleus' new captain and celebrated by scoring twice in a 4-0 rout of the Netherlands to open Les Bleus' qualifying campaign.

Whoever starts out of Bazunu and Kelleher is sure to be busy this evening.