Caoimhin Kelleher made five first-team appearances and featured in both the Premier League and Champions League last season; 22-year-old goalkeeper also won first Republic of Ireland cap earlier in June
Thursday 24 June 2021 12:47, UK
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.
The 22-year-old made five first-team appearances and featured in both the Premier League and Champions League last season.
Kelleher also won his first cap for Republic of Ireland earlier in June, coming on as a second-half substitute against Hungary in Budapest.
"I am happy to get it over the line and finally done; it was in the pipeline for a few months with negotiations and stuff, so I am delighted to get it done," Kelleher said.
"For me, it was a positive moment to commit my future to the club for the next few years. It's such a big club and it's an honour to be a part of it, so when I got the chance to sign for a few more years I was obviously delighted. I just want to keep my progress going at the club, really."
Kelleher made his Champions League debut for the club on December 1 last year when he started against Ajax at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp picked him to deputise rather than Adrian in the absence of regular No 1 Alisson.
A first Premier League appearance followed against Wolves five days later as the Liverpool academy graduate kept clean sheets in both fixtures.
An abdominal tear sidelined Kelleher for a significant part of the final stages of the season, which culminated with Liverpool securing Champions League qualification on the final day of the league campaign.
"It was a big year for me in terms of playing the first-team games this year and more important games; being thrown into the Champions League and Premier League games was big for my development and being able to handle that," he added.
"It gave me a lot of confidence to try to push on, to try to keep pushing Ali because I can play at that kind of level as well and do well. I am looking forward, try to keep pushing him and we'll see what happens."
Former West Ham goalkeeper Adrian signed a contract extension to remain at Anfield earlier in June.
