Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has urged Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to leave the club in search of regular playing time. The former Republic of Ireland keeper has insisted that his compatriot has what it takes to play for most clubs in the Premier League.
Kelleher was called upon by Arne Slot against Bournemouth on Saturday, September 21, with Alisson Becker missing the game with an injury. The Irishman came up with an impressive display as Liverpool secured a 3-0 win against the Cherries.
Shay Given, arguably the greatest Irish keeper of all time with 134 caps for his country, has lavished praise on Kelleher for his composure and calmness. The former Newcastle United and Manchester City keeper said on BBC Sport Final Score, as quoted by Rousing The Kop:
“Caoimhin Kelleher is so composed and never gets flustered – he has a calm presence."
Given added:
“I think he is good enough to be number one somewhere else in the Premier League. Liverpool is a great club, but you have one career and one chance. I think he needs to move.”
Kelleher made seven saves against Bournemouth to help Arne Slot's side keep a clean sheet and kept a passing accuracy of 89%. The goalkeeper was developed in the Reds' youth ranks after joining the Merseyside giants as a teenager in 2015 from Ringmahon Rangers.
The Irishman has been a great servant to Liverpool over the years, deputizing for Alisson Becker when needed. He made 26 appearances across competitions last season as Alisson struggled with injuries and kept five clean sheets while conceding 32 goals.
Kelleher was subject to interest from a number of clubs during the summer but a move failed to materialize. With Liverpool signing Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, Kelleher is expected to leave the Reds when the Georgian joins the club next summer following his loan spell with Valencia.
Germany sporting director opens up on the possibility of former Liverpool manager becoming the next national team manager
Germany sporting director Rudi Voller has claimed that Jurgen Klopp would be an obvious choice as the next Germany manager if the opportunity arises. The former World Cup-winning German manager lavished praise on the former Borussia Dortmund manager. Speaking to ZDF’s Sportstudio, Voller said, as quoted by Daveockop:
“There is no need to hide the fact that Jurgen Klopp has an incredible CV. If Julian were to decide at some point that he wanted to take over a top club in Germany or Europe again, there would be no way past Jurgen, that’s for sure. If that is what he wants.”
Klopp spent nine years in charge of Liverpool between 2015 and 2024 and decided to step down this summer. The 57-year-old stressed that he needed to take a break from football and is currently enjoying his sabbatical.