Caoimhin Kelleher continues to go from strength to strength this season which makes his uncertain Liverpool future all the more cause for debate.
He added to his stock when he kept another clean sheet against Aston Villa last Saturday prior to the current international break, in which he has played a huge role for Ireland.
The Cork native was imperious, making a late penalty double-save to keep Ireland 1-0 ahead and preserve what was a major home win against Finland in the UEFA Nations League for his country.
At club level has made life without the injured Alisson of little concern for Liverpool, thriving in impressive wins against Chelsea; RB Leipzig, Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa, while also claiming a valuable point away to Arsenal
There has been a widespread clamour from Liverpool supporters on social media for Kelleher to keep his place when Alisson is deemed fit again, such has been the quality of his performances.
The 25-year-old had been linked with the exit door in the summer but remained on the books at Anfield, something which has worked out well for both parties.
However, his status as second-choice seems set in stone with manager Arne Slot’s stating after the Villa win: “Caoimh has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper.”
With Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also acquired during the summer and sent back out on loan, it’s clear that Kelleher’s long-term prospects of first-team football at Anfield are questionable at best.
Tony Cascarino urges Liverpool to make Caoimhin Kelleher number one
However, those factors have not quietened the clamour around Kelleher to be rewarded with a permanent first-choice role in the Premier League leaders’ team.
Former Ireland forward Tony Cascarino was emphatic in urging Liverpool to stick with Kelleher. even when Alisson makes his expected return after the international break.
The Brazilian is currently nursing a hamstring injury, with Liverpool due to travel to strugglers Southampton on Sunday, November 24, before hosting Real Madrid and Manchester City the following week.
Cascarino, who was speaking on talkSPORT, wants Slot to hold firm and select the Irishman for those crucial fixtures.
They need to make Kelleher their number one as well as I think Kelleher is going to be… I would hate to see him go,” Cascarino said.
“Because Alisson has had injuries over the years and he is a terrific goalkeeper but what I have seen from Kelleher this season: how he has grown; his ability on the ball; he has a much bigger confidence than 18 months ago and rightly so as he is playing more football.
“He has become Ireland’s most important player and he is going to have to be the most important player when they play England tomorrow for Ireland to have any chance at all.
“Kelleher has moved up pretty quickly and it would be a mad mistake (to get rid of him). Arne Slot might look at Kelleher and think ‘he is the future’.
“I am not so sure he will drop Kelleher when Alisson is fit. He has been sensational for Liverpool.”
When Slot’s previous comments about Alisson replacing Kelleher were put to Cascarino, he doubled down on his point.
‘I think (Slot should) reconsider that. Like I said earlier, Slot has made so many incredible decisions.
“It has just been an incredible start to the season for Liverpool and Kelleher has played a big part in that.
“I know that Alisson gets injured and that they brought another goalkeeper in for next season but I wouldn’t want to sell Kelleher.
“There is a goalkeeper that has a hell of a lot of improvement in him and – if anything – I am not sure Alisson will be the same ‘keeper due to the injuries he has had.”
Time will tell but Kelleher is incredibly unlucky to find himself in such an uncertain position after such an impressive run of performances.
Another big showing – this time away to England – will only further his claims to keep his place with plenty of English eyes due to watch Sunday’s Nations League clash at Wembley Stadium.