While the 5-1 scoreline paints the picture of a one-sided affair in Liverpool's Europa League clash with Sparta Praha, the reality was anything but one-sided with our own Caoimhin Kelleher only all too aware of just how many chances Sparta had.
In what was end-to-end football from start to finish, Kelleher again proved himself absolutely crucial with a number of outstanding saves. Saves which left Tommy Martin grilling Brian Kerr on Kelleher's future as Ireland's number one.
That's a brilliant save from Caoimhin Kelleher!#UEL pic.twitter.com/eBRYFGrDLD
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2024
While Liverpool went in at the break 3 up thanks to an early penalty and two goals from Darwin Nunez, Sparta had more than their fair share of chances to level things up in front of their home crowd, however, a mix of Kelleher's class and squandered chances left the Croatian side desperately deflated.
While an own-goal from Tyrone man Conor Bradley just after the break rejuvenated the hosts, Luiz Diaz claimed another goal just moments later to dispel any hope Sparta had. While Salah was denied a goal by VAR, Szoboszlai finished off the game with a 95th-minute goal to make it a 5-0 win for Liverpool.
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Brian Kerr tight-lipped on Caoimhin Kelleher's Ireland future in funny exchange
Despite the high goal tally, there's no doubt that the often monumental gaps in Liverpool's defence will be a worry for Klopp ahead of Sparta's visit to Anfield for the return fixture. However, one thing he won't have to worry about is goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher who has followed up on his cup final heroics with another masterclass.
With the Corkonian brick wall proving to be one of Liverpool's busiest and most influential players tonight, host Tommy Martin was left with no choice but to question newly appointed Ireland technical director and pundit Brian Kerr on whether Kelleher had done enough to earn the number one spot for the boys in green.
"Brian, is Caoimhin Kelleher going to be Ireland's No.1?"
Brian: 🤐😅 pic.twitter.com/z7UmbQvXk0— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2024
While a wise Kerr kept tight-lipped on the Caoimhin Kelleher issue, he was certainly full of praise for the youngster,
I tell ya, there's a fella called John O'Shea who's going to pick the team.
I'll give my opinion, I think he's in great form, he needed those matches.
From a Liverpool point of view, I think Klopp will be disappointed that he was so busy tonight, but he'll be delighted that he played so well and that he can rely on him. It's his distribution as well as making saves Tommy!
It wasn't just Kerr dishing out the praise either, with former Ireland manager Mick McCarthy lauding his performance
"He's been excellent!"
Mick McCarthy on Caoimhin Kelleher's first-half performance.#UEL pic.twitter.com/yfA1XdLjss— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2024
Whether Caoimhin Kelleher will have done enough to make himself Ireland's number one keeper only time will tell, but if Kerr's reaction is anything to go by things are certainly looking up for the Cork man.
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