Jordan Henderson says Liverpool have an ‘outstanding’ 23-year-old in their ranks

Sat 26 February 2022 8:15, UK

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has waxed lyrical about Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, deeming him “outstanding”.

The 23-year-old has been a superb deputy for first-choice Liverpool stopper Alisson Becker over the past 18 months.

Alisson spent some time on the sidelines last season, and Jurgen Klopp initially replaced the Brazilian with Adrian.

However, later on in the season, the Liverpool boss gave Kelleher a chance ahead of Adrian.

The Irishman has now cemented the second-choice spot at Anfield.

Almost half of Kelleher’s 14 first-team appearances have come in the Carabao Cup.

The keeper started the semi-final second leg win at Arsenal last month that booked Liverpool’s place in the final.

And Klopp has already confirmed that Kelleher will replace Alisson in the Wembley showpiece.

“Caoimh is an exceptional goalkeeper and we want to keep him here,” the quotes Klopp as saying.

“And for that, he needs games. These games are his competition, and there’s no chance of him not playing.”

“Fantastic lad”

On Friday, Henderson also spoke highly of Kelleher.

“I think he has been outstanding,” the Anfield skipper. “He is a fantastic lad, very level-headed.

“He’s learning from probably the best keeper in the world, which will always help him.

“He has always had that calmness about him, which I really like. It will be a big moment for him.”

Liverpool are still in contention for all four trophies this season.

The Reds would win their first League Cup since 2012 if they triumph on Sunday.