NewsThe 'stroke of fortune' that began Caoimhin Kelleher's goalkeeping career

Now an established goalkeeper with Liverpool and at international level with the Republic of Ireland, until the age of 14 he was playing as a striker with former club Ringmahon Rangers.

But when the Cork-based side lost their stopper, the young Kelleher accelerated his interest in playing between the posts and began what has become a memorable journey.

“I do think about it sometimes – how it was an absolute stroke of fortune the way it all panned out,” the Reds No.62 told The Athletic.

“I had started doing a bit of training as a goalkeeper before the other lad quit, maybe with the idea in mind that in a year or so I might become a ’keeper. But I was never planning on becoming one that soon.

“Who knows, if I had waited another year, I might have left it too late to really create a career for myself. It’s amazing to look back on how everything just seemed to fall into place perfectly.”

Kelleher, who arrived on Merseyside in 2015, can currently reflect on by far his busiest season to date with Liverpool.

In addition to being the team’s designated Carabao Cup and Europa League goalkeeper, he featured 10 times in the Premier League when Alisson Becker was out injured.

There were 26 appearances in total in 2023-24 for Kelleher, who for the second time delivered a clean sheet at Wembley to help the Reds win the Carabao Cup.

“It was the first time in my career that I’d had a spell like that and I loved it. I thrived on it,” he said. “I’d been waiting for a moment like that.

“It was a massive opportunity for me to be Liverpool’s No.1 for that long. It was my time to show the level I believe I can perform at and the level people at the club think I’m able to play at.

“I proved that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League – I’m comfortable there. I’ve always had that belief in myself. Proving it to people was satisfying.”

On the qualities of Alisson, with whom he has worked closely over the past six years, Kelleher said: “The biggest things are his mentality and the way he is within games. That’s what you need to be the best.

“He’s always very calm and composed. He never gets too high, he never gets too low. Goalkeeping is about making split-second decisions and he has that clarity you need to make good ones.”

Jürgen Klopp is, of course, departing his position as Liverpool manager after nine years at the helm, with Arne Slot announced as the club’s new head coach from June 1.

Within the goalkeeping department, meanwhile, both long-serving coach John Achterberg and assistant Jack Robinson are also bidding farewell to the Reds.

Kelleher detailed his gratitude and appreciation for them all.

“John has been absolutely massive for me and I told him at the [farewell] party that I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now without everything he’s done for me,” said the 25-year-old.

“The work he put in was incredible – always first into the training ground and the last to leave. He brought me on leaps and bounds.

“I really loved working with him. I’m grateful that he was my coach for so long. Jack was brilliant too and I wish them both well.”

Of Klopp, he said: “He’s been the only manager I’ve ever had at Liverpool. He gave me my debut and so many opportunities so I wanted to say thank you to him for everything he’s done for me.

“He said I’d developed into a really good goalkeeper and that he would follow my career wherever I go. They were nice words to hear. He got a great send-off and it was a fitting tribute to him.”

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