Ireland legend gives unexpected verdict on Caoimhin Kelleher’s Liverpool future

CAOIMHIN KELLEHER’S form at Liverpool has gone through the roof – and that is why he will stay at Anfield.

That is the view of Richard Dunne, who believes it is a toss of a coin between the Corkman and Gavin Bazunu for the Ireland No1 shirt.

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Kelleher, 25, has made 22 appearances for Liverpool this season in the absence of the injured Alisson Becker – the most he has made in a single season since moving to Merseyside.

The Ringmahon Rangers export has attracted praise from Jurgen Klopp and Virgil Van Dijk in that time, while he played a pivotal role in their winning of the Carabao Cup.

It has resurfaced a debate over the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper berth, with Gavin Bazunu the established No1 with 21 caps.

Kelleher, meanwhile, has 11 senior caps, and will be looking to build on those when John O’Shea‘s side face Belgium and Switzerland in a pair of friendlies.

Asked for his view on the goalkeeper debate, former Ireland defender Richard Dunne believes it is a 50/50 call.

He told SunSport via instantcasinos.com: “It is a toss of a coin in terms of talent they have got.

“I think Caoimhin has shown over the last few months that playing regularly gives him confidence.

“When he has come in and out of the team, you don’t get the same performances and the same consistency from a goalkeeper or any player.

“He is getting regular minutes in the Premier League, he is playing in European competitions.

“I think his form has gone through the roof recently.

“I would expect the way it will work is they will get a game each and then it comes down to what the new manager thinks and what his choice is.”

Kelleher’s form this season has seen him linked with a number of clubs for a summer move.

Celtic are the reported favourites for his signature but Dunne believes he will opt to stay and try impress the new Liverpool manager.

He added: “I would imagine he will stay.

“The amount of games Liverpool play, the amount of games he has been getting this season will be enough to convince him that there is going to be times where he is needed and he will play.

“My guess is he would stay but he is 25 now.

“If he wants to play regularly, there will be plenty of clubs that would want.”