Interview'We want to win it again' - Caoimhin Kelleher on Carabao Cup return

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper played four times in Liverpool’s successful run in the competition last term, culminating in an unforgettable day at Wembley.

After making a series of crucial saves during the final against Chelsea in February, Kelleher then converted what proved to be the winning kick in an epic shootout.

The subsequent scenes of celebration are naturally back in mind as the Reds prepare to begin their defence of the trophy by hosting Derby County in the third round on Wednesday night.

And the No.62 explained the desire within the group to emulate that achievement.

“Obviously very excited – the whole squad is – to get back to it,” Kelleher, who is set to start the clash with the Rams, told Liverpoolfc.com during a preview interview at the AXA Training Centre.

“Winning it last year, we’re looking forward to trying to win it again. Most of my games have been in the Carabao Cup here, so looking forward again to getting going.

“We won it last year so we want to go on and do the same again. Also, for opposition teams maybe playing us is a big incentive to them to beat the reigning champions.

“Whoever we play will be well up for it but also we want to do the same again and win it. It was a great feeling last year to get the win and hopefully we can do it again.”

It was an unexpected but memorable finale to Kelleher’s Carabao Cup contributions last time when he stepped up to stroke in his penalty as both teams took 11 efforts in the final.

The 23-year-old will forever look back on the occasion fondly, though remains modest regarding a spot-kick he previously described as ‘hit and hope’.

“I don’t think anything has changed there!” he said. “I was really thankful it actually went in. Wherever it went in I didn’t care how, just as long as it went in.

“It was bizarre really. I would never have imagined to think of that. When I look back now it’s obviously really special memories for myself. Hopefully something similar can happen this season.”

The Carabao Cup success was the highest point of a hugely progressive 2021-22 campaign for Kelleher on a personal level.

He made eight appearances across the Premier League and cups, deputising for Alisson Becker as Liverpool pushed for a remarkable quadruple.

The trophy triumph also earned Kelleher a place among the goalkeepers celebrated on a mosaic beside the stoppers’ designated area on the AXA Training Centre pitches.

“It’s nice to have a little glance every now and then when you’re training, to see your face up there,” he said of being added to the tribute.

“It was obviously a big incentive for myself when you’re training every day and you see the quality of ’keeper and some legends up on that wall. It’s a great thing. To have myself up there as well is special for me.”

The visit of Derby to Anfield will be Kelleher’s first outing of the current season at senior level – and he is eager to shape his own future chances to feature more by helping the Reds advance.

“I’ve always said whenever I’m asked about the cup games, I want to go as far as I can to try to get as many games in as I can,” he finished.

“I want to try to do as well as I can in the cup games and if I’m needed elsewhere – please God, Ali doesn’t pick up an injury – or something happens that I’m ready to step in in other situations as well. I want to get as far as I can in the cup to give myself the most opportunities to play.”