Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is ‘biggest thing to happen to Cork since Roy Keane’, says his first ever manager
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER was the 30-goal-a-season striker tipped to become the next big thing in Irish football.
Instead, Jurgen Klopp may have the next Manuel Neuer on his hands after the rookie goalkeeper became an instant Champions League sensation.
The 22-year-old made his debut in the 1-0 Anfield win over Ajax, coming in as a replacement for injured Liverpool No 1 Alisson.
And his first manager Eddie Harrington has insisted: “He’s the biggest thing to happen to Cork since Roy Keane.”
Harrington coached Kelleher for nine years as a striker at Ringmahon Rangers in the Irish city — he left for the Kop outfit aged 16.
Two years before his departure he was still his team’s star centre- forward and seemingly going places.
But Ringmahon’s Under-14 keeper quit and Kelleher’s dad Ray suggested his son could fill in.
They took a chance and a rise to stardom had begun — yet his success is no surprise to Harrington.
He said: “Almost from the first moment, we all realised Caoimhin was a complete natural in goal.
“When his dad suggested he go in goal I was against it, he’d get us 20, 30 goals a season no problem.
“So I was loathe to give him a try and actually, in his first game, we lost 1–0 and he got chipped.
“But after that he just got better and better — and now look at him.”
Kelleher, who made just four domestic cup appearances last season, has now graced club football’s biggest stage.
It is hard to believe he conceded SEVEN for Liverpool U23s against Manchester City only on Saturday.
But that does not matter a bit to Harrington, who added: “We always stay in touch. I am expecting a text from him any time now.
“Everybody at Ringmahon is so proud of what he’s achieved — once he settled in goal we always believed he was destined for great things.”
Ringmahon coach Rob O’Leary admits he was gobsmacked when Harrington stuck his star frontman between the sticks.
He said: “Up front he was pure class and we all thought he’d make it as a pro.
When his dad suggested he go in goal I was against it, he’d get us 20, 30 goals a season
Eddie Harrington
“So when he went in goal I was saying, ‘What in the name of God is he going in goal for?’
“But I remember I went to see one of his games and, Jesus Christ, he was even better in goal than he was outfield.”
Now ambitious Kelleher has set German superstar Neuer as his benchmark.
And after his stunning display against Ajax on Tuesday, Kelleher said: “I’m over the moon. I’m working hard every day in training, preparing myself.
“I’m always thinking if a chance does come, I’ll have to be ready for it.
“That’s why I work every day and, thankfully, all that work did pay off.
“I like Manuel Neuer, the way he plays football.
“He is good with his feet, the same as me because I was outfield. I like coming off my line. I think you have to now. It’s become a part of the goalkeeper’s game.”
Indeed, boss Klopp revealed he was happy to take a gamble on Kelleher as opposed to veteran No 2 Adrian, 33, against Ajax: “We needed his natural football playing ability.
“And because he’s a really good shot-stopper as well, we made that decision. They are all calm in the moment when they get the information but there’s a difference to be that on the pitch.”
Kelleher’s demeanour was that of a hardened pro. No surprise, again, to Harrington who said: “He’s still got a baby face, calm and innocent.
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“But there’s steel inside even if he may come across as being quiet.”
Kelleher is not the only sportsman in his family. Brother Fiacre plays centre-half for National League side Wrexham and another sibling, Tim, is a scratch golfer, while third brother Olan was a
top hurling junior.
Yet it was the striker–turned-keeper who was truly destined for stardom.
He spent time at Blackburn and Aston Villa and, long before he forged his way into the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side, he might even have followed Keane from Cork to Old Trafford.
Not only were Manchester United interested, but also Arsenal.
Harrington added: “Once Liverpool came in that was it — decision made for him. And one day he’ll be No 1 at Anfield — I’m sure of it.”