Kelleher questioned after what’s happened away from Liverpool
Liverpool backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was in action on international duty on Thursday evening as Republic of Ireland won 2-1 over Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.
While Kelleher may not be Liverpool’s starting keeper, he has been Ireland’s first-choice for a long time and was in goal for Thursday’s (21 March) match, in which he conceded after just six minutes.
Kelleher’s future at Liverpool is in doubt and these games serve as an opportunity to showcase his talent to his suitors.
What was said about Kelleher after Republic of Ireland game?
Bulgaria’s Marin Petkov fired from close range, beating Kelleher in the sixth minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Kelleher was not entirely at fault as he could have only done so much to stop the shot but apart from that goal, the Corkman had very little to do throughout the game.
After the match, Kelleher’s performance was analysed with inferences drawn about him having a decent 90 minutes.
| Stats | Kelleher vs Bulgaria |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Saves | 2 |
| Goals conceded | 1 |
| Shots faced | 3 |
| Touches | 33 |
In their match ratings, the Irish Times [20 March] said: “Beaten from outside his box again, albeit the blame probably lies more squarely at those in front of him. Had very little else to do, so in fairness, those in front of him deserve plenty of credit for that.”
Kelleher is known to be a composed keeper with the ball at his feet and he showcased these abilities during the game against Bulgaria.
On the other hand, RTE [20 March] wrote: “He’ll be annoyed that Marin Petkov’s strike bobbled home via the inside of the post.
“Aside from that, the Corkman was barely troubled; calm with the ball at his feet and smart with his distribution.”
Irish outlet Balls [20 March] added: “Couldn’t have done much more for Marin Petkov’s opener. Bulgaria mustered little of note to threaten the Irish goal, though Kelleher batted away most efforts that came his way.”
The common theme of the after-match evaluation was that the 26-year-old was silent for the most part of the night as the players in front of him did an excellent job of neutralising the Bulgarian attack.
The Irish Mirror [20 March] echoed those comments, stating: “Couldn’t be faulted for Bulgaria’s opener and had little else to do, apart from the odd speculative shot and occasional back-pass.”
Kelleher must leave Liverpool this summer
The Ireland international plays the role of a deputy to Alisson but he could further slip down the pecking order next season.
Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia last summer and loaned him back to the LaLiga outfit for the 2024-25 season.
With the Georgian arriving at Anfield this summer, competition for the starting spot in goal is about to become intense. The biggest downside will be for Kelleher, who could become third-choice if he stays at Liverpool.
Leeds United have been linked with Kelleher, along with several other clubs also monitoring the 26-year-old. Kelleher needs to leave this summer if he is to get regular playing time next season.
The Reds will also look to cash in on him as his deal expires in the summer of 2026, and selling him this summer could generate a decent amount of cash.