Kelleher reveals Alisson sent him a congratulatory text after Ajax win

Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher reveals No 1 Alisson ‘texted me to say well done and that he was proud’ after starring in crucial Champions League victory over Ajax

• Liverpool face FC Midtjylland away in the Champions League on Wednesday 
• Jurgen Klopp’s side have already topped their group after their 1-0 win vs Ajax 
• Caoimhin Kelleher will keep his place in goal when the Reds travel to Denmark
• The 22-year-old Irishman shone in last week’s victory at Anfield against Ajax 

Caoimhin Kelleher has revealed Liverpool No 1 Alisson sent him a message of congratulations following his starring role against Ajax as they secured their progression to the Champions League knockout stages.

Kelleher, deputising for the injured Alisson, made a number of crucial saves to deny Ajax at Anfield last week – including a spectacular instinct save of Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s header late on.

And the 22-year-old Irishman has admitted that his phone was ‘buzzing’ after the final whistle as Liverpool secured top spot in their group thanks to a 1-0 victory, before revealing he received a special message from Alisson.

Caoimhin Kelleher has impressed for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool during their last two outings

Kelleher makes a brilliant instinct save off Klaas Jan Huntelaar late on at Anfield last week

Speaking during the press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to FC Midtjylland on Wednesday, Kelleher admitted: ‘Honestly my phone was buzzing for about 3 days after the game.

‘From friends, former coaches, family. Alisson texted me as well to say well done and that he was proud of me.’

Kelleher’s acrobatic save to deny Huntelaar was the stand-out moment for the Liverpool keeper last Tuesday, and after the final whistle Jurgen Klopp gave his youngster one of his famous bear hugs.

Kelleher revealed Liverpool No 1 Alisson sent him a congratulatory text after starring last week

And Kelleher has admitted that moment will hold a special place in his memory as he looks to continue impressing between the sticks for the injury-stricken Reds.

‘It was an instinct reaction save,’ Kelleher added. ‘He was that close and I just tried to get anything on it.

‘It was a nice moment to make that save. For the manager to come up to me after the game, it was a nice moment for me.’ 

Kelleher followed up his impressive Champions League performance by keeping another clean sheet as Liverpool thrashed Wolves 4-0 in the Premier League on Sunday night. 

The Irishman kept another clean sheet as Liverpool thrashed Wolves 4-0 at Anfield on Sunday

And the youngster believes he is starting to feel more assured about himself with the more experience he gets.

He added: ‘I think on the weekend, I felt more comfortable after playing in midweek. The more games you play, the more comfortable you start feeling.’

Kelleher will continue in goal as Liverpool take on Danish side Midtjylland, and he will be hoping to keep a hat-trick of clean sheets on Wednesday. 

Share this article

Source: Read Full Article