Oct 24,2024
Caoimhín Kelleher said that he is happy to give Liverpool manager Arne Slot a selection headache, after the Corkman put in another strong performance in a 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Kelleher made his fourth club appearance of the campaign in all competitions, as he continues to benefit from first-choice Alisson Becker's tendency to pick up injuries.
Alisson is expected to be out for another few weeks at least but Kelleher's display against Leipzig will alleviate any fears that Liverpool will miss the Brazilian, as they look to maintain a strong start to the season under their new manager.
Wednesday's win marked Kelleher's first Champions League appearance since December 2020, and speaking afterwards, he indicated that he is ready to push for the Liverpool number one shirt this season, even if he has already said that he sees his long-term future away from Anfield.
"All I can do is play well when I get the chance and give the manager something to think about," said the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.
"Most importantly is that I do well when I do get the opportunities and show what I'm about.
"One of the lads asked me before the game when was my last Champions League game. I think it was maybe three years ago. It's special to be back in this tournament and to get the clean sheet was nice."
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Kelleher wasn't the only Ireland player to contribute to a clean sheet on Wednesday, after Liam Scales put in an excellent showing in Celtic's 0-0 draw away at Atalanta in one of the early kick-offs.
Brendan Rodgers' men bounced back from a 7-1 thumping at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in Matchday 2 to pick up an impressive point on the road.
"People were injured, unavailable and that's all the manager had.
"Now, his status within that dressing room, to get Champions League Player of the Match awards on the back of a month where he's started twice for his country, we're hoping the partnership with Nathan Collins will become something that we can bank on."
"In the last few games for Ireland, his performances have probably been better than Nathan Collins," said Sadlier's fellow pundit Stephen Kelly.
"Collins is the one with the armband and playing Premier League but Scales has probably been a stronger defender in those games," added the ex-Tottenham full-back.
While Scales played the full 90 minutes of the draw, Ireland striker Adam Idah was substituted 68 minutes into his first Champions League start.
Celtic now sit 20th in the 36-team Champions League table with four points, while the top three spots are occupied by Premier League teams Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City.
