‘It makes no sense’ – Caoimhin Kelleher rejects transfer claim as Liverpool’s ‘frustration’ became apparent

Fitness permitting, Kelleher will remain in goal in place of Alisson throughout, but the Republic of Ireland international denies this is an opportunity to attract the attention of interested parties as speculation over his long-term future continue after the club rejected claims towards the end of the competition. Nottingham Forest’s summer window.

“I don’t see it as anything other than having the opportunity to play a few games, so I want to do the best I can,” says Kelleher. “There’s no point in making this bigger than it is. It’s just that I get a chance to play some games.

“It’s clear that the team is doing quite well. I want to help the team to continue winning in the league and the Champions League. That is my main ambition: to help the team and help myself by performing well.”

Liverpool confirmed before the transfer window closed that a deal had been agreed with Valencia to sign Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili for £29m next year, further increasing competition for Kelleher at Anfield.

The former Ringmahon Rangers shot-stopper says no discussions were held by club officials prior to Mamardashvili’s capture and admitted he was frustrated at not playing as regularly as he would like.

He added: “No talks (about signing Mamardashvili), no. As you say, that’s next summer, so I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m just focusing on doing the best I can now that I have these competitions.

“I think there will be frustration if I don’t play week in, week out, that’s clear. But for me, I know that from last year of course, there are opportunities to play here in the back of my mind. I can’t just be not ready and not doing the right things because there will be times when you will get the chance and opportunity to play.

“So yeah, that was in the back of my mind and obviously there was some frustration, but I’ve always been professional and I always will be and I always have to be ready because if I’m not ready then I’m not doing myself justice. So I have to give myself the best chances when I get the opportunities.”