Caoimhin Kelleher has waited patiently for his chance to play first team football. A product of Cork, Ireland, Kelleher joined Liverpool's youth setup from his local club Ringhamon Rangers back in 2015. He slowly made his way through the U-18s to the U-23s while also playing at the international level for the Republic of Ireland underage sides.
Kelleher first appeared on the Reds' bench for an FA Cup match against Wolves in January 2019 and was also a sub for the Champions League final against Spurs in June 2019. His senior debut finally came in September 2019, when he kept a shutout in a League Cup victory over MK Dons.
In total, the Irishman has made four senior appearances for Liverpool; three in the League Cup and one in the FA Cup. Kelleher has spent the last two seasons as Liverpool's third choice keeper, behind Alisson and Adrian.
But despite Alisson's injury issues (this will be the 18th match the Brazilian has missed over the last two years) and Adrian's on-field struggles, the young Irishman has not been afforded a Premier League or UCL start.
Now, with starting keeper Alisson missing a crucial Champions League fixture against Ajax due to a hamstring injury, Kelleher has finally been given the opportunity he has waited so long for.
A maiden Champions League appearance for Kelleher. What a night for the 22-year-old. pic.twitter.com/aLRwlzpF8s
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) December 1, 2020
The young Irishman will be tasked with facing an Ajax team that is averaging better four goals per match in the Eredivie this season, a difficult proposition for even the finest of goalkeepers.
The 22-year-old will also not be given the luxury of Liverpool's first-choice backline. Fabinho and Joel Matip replace Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk as the Red's center backs, while 19-year-old right back Neco Willams also garners his Champions League debut.
A win would guarantee Liverpool a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League. But regardless of the result, Tuesday will be the biggest moment (so far) in young Caoimhin Kelleher's career.
