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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Former Liverpool goalkeeper makes Caoimhin Kelleher transfer claim after Carabao Cup heroics

Caoimhín Kelleher became Liverpool's League Cup saviour in unlikely fashion on Sunday, but an ex-Red who won the same trophy in 1995 believes he should move on.

Irishman Kelleher found himself in the unexpected position of having to take a penalty himself in a marathon shoot-out that involved all 22 players.

Showing a calmness beyond his years, Alisson Becker's understudy converted his spot kick before opposite number Kepa Arrizabalaga skied his effort, handing Liverpool the trophy.

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But David James, who was predominantly Liverpool's first choice goalkeeper between 1992 and 1999 says playing second fiddle to the Brazilian might not be enough for a stopper of Kelleher's quality.

Speaking on Sky Sports, James said: "It’s an interesting dynamic and something that I’ve been noticing a lot more in the last year or so.

"You see the rotation of the squads and Man City and Liverpool seem to do it more than anyone else.

"Kelleher has proved himself as a very, very capable goalkeeper. But when Alisson signs a new five-year deal you ask yourself if you’re planning to be Liverpool’s next number one or is this just a stepping stone.

"At the moment he’s getting a lot of good reviews, he can get away with not playing every week right now.

"But there will come a point when Liverpool need to make a decision or he needs to make a decision to be a No. 1 somewhere else or stay at this massive club and win trophies but essentially just play in cup matches."

James made 277 appearances for The Reds throughout the 90s, but eventually lost his place to American Brad Friedel before being sold to Aston Villa.

When asked what he would do if he was in Kelleher's position, James added: "I would leave. I couldn’t help it, I just wanted to play all the time. But leaving Liverpool is a big decision to make, especially for Kelleher."

The 23-year-old, will be hoping to be in contention for a starting place against Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round tie at Anfield on Wednesday evening, as he looks to keep his impressive run of performances in cup competitions going.

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