First team chance for Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher at Liverpool following bizarre Adrian injury
Sport

First team chance for Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher at Liverpool following bizarre Adrian injury

Cork youngster Caoimhin Kelleher could be in line for his Premier League debut this Saturday when Liverpool travel to Southampton. 

Second choice keeper Adrian was injured when a pitch invader landed on his ankle during the post match celebrations following Liverpool's midweek European Super Cup victory against Chelsea.

First choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is already sidelined with a torn calf muscle and is expected to be out for some time.

Kelleher himself has had his own injury woes this summer and has only recently returned to training following a wrist injury during pre season.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (R) grabs the ball during the International Champions Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 25, 2018. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR / AFP) (Photo credit should read KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images)

But Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the 20 year-old and feels he is capable of making the step up.

He said: “Caiomhin is a boy we are all excited about.

“He’s now in training, but not 100 per cent yet. He has to be in training today, then we will see.”

Veteran keeper Andy Lonergan is also in contention for tomorrow after joining the European Cup winners on a short term deal before the close of the transfer window.

Decision to make

"Adrian came in a week before, Andy Lonergan trained longer with us, played half-time in one of the pre-season games," explained Klopp.

"Kelleher is now in training as well, so we have them. If we have to make a decision, we have to make a decision.

On the Adrian injury he said:  "A supporter slipped and kicked his (Adrian's) ankle,” said Klopp.

"A supporter jumped over something, was chased by some security guys, slipped and kicked his ankle. It’s crazy.

"Apart from that it was a brilliant night for him, not only because of the penalty but also because of the game.”