CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER has declared he is ready to be a permanent no 1 now but is unsure if that will happen at Liverpool.
The Cork man enjoyed his best season yet at Anfield, clocking up 26 appearances– 10 of them in the Premier League – which was more than the previous four years combined.
But Jurgen Klopp still restored Alisson to the team when he was fit and, although Kelleher has yet to speak to new boss Arne Slot, he reckons it will be difficult to dislodge the Brazilian.
Kelleher– who has two years left on his contract – told The Athletic: “It was the first time in my career that I’d had a spell like that and I loved it.
“I thrived on it. 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.
“When you’re going into games having not played for a few months, it’s really difficult, especially for a goalkeeper.
“I’ve always tried to be professional and stay focused because anything can happen and you might be called upon to come in.
“But playing every week, I felt so much more comfortable. It was the best feeling.
“My decision-making was better. I was in the kind of rhythm you only get with playing regularly.
“There’s that excitement that you know you are getting games. Confidence grows from knowing not only am I playing this week but next week as well.”
Although Liverpool were aiming for a quadruple in Klopp’s farewell season, they ended up with just one trophy, the Carabao Cup, with Kelleher between the posts for the final victory over Chelsea.
He said: “It ended up being our only trophy of the season so that made it even more special and keeping a clean sheet that day was vital.
“Playing against Man City at home was another big one for me with the rivalry between us.
“You’re not going to play in a more high-profile game than that in world football and I thought I did really well.
“You think, ‘Yeah, I’m capable of doing this every week at a high level’. I got the taste for it and I want to do it all the time. My main ambition is to be a No 1.
“It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.
“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved.
“I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.
“There will be some discussions over the coming weeks.
“The club was busy with the manager leaving and appointing a new one. With all the new staff arriving, those talks will happen.”
That will be after the international window.
Kelleher will start against Hungary next Tuesday and may do so against Portugal a week later with Gavin Bazunu’s absence through injury providing him the chance to strengthen his claims.
He said: “I love playing for my country. I’ve been fortunate to do that since I was 15 or 16.
“As a kid growing up in Ireland, the national team is the biggest thing. My ambition is to be Ireland’s No 1. I want to help take us to major tournaments.
“That’s a big objective of mine but to really stake my claim I need to be playing week in and week out.”
“I’m proud of this season, I’ve really proved myself.
“I love being at Liverpool and hopefully there’s more to come there.
“But I feel like I’ve done my years as a No 2. The ambition now is to be a No 1. I am ready and capable.”