Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has claimed that Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher could ultimately prove to be a weak link against Fulham on Sunday.
The Irish stopper has been in fine form since stepping in for Alisson Becker against Ajax and could be in line to start again at Craven Cottage should the Brazilian not pass late fitness tests.
After back-to-back clean sheets, the 22-year-old conceded from the penalty spot against FC Midtjylland on Wednesday night.
Lawrenson told BBC Sport in his preview of the game that Fulham may fancy their chances against the Premier League champions should Kelleher remain in goal,
He said: “Fulham might feel like they can get at Liverpool, especially if Caoimhin Kelleher is still filling in for Alisson in goal, and the Cottagers have got the option of recalling Aleksandar Mitrovic if they want to be more direct and try to test the 22-year-old Irishman with some balls into the box.”
The 63-year-old also predicted an upcoming error from the previously faultless stopper, saying: ”Kelleher has done really well so far and looks the part, but he is going to make a mistake at some point – I certainly don’t wish it on him, but all young keepers do – and we don’t know how he will react.”
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It’s a rather bizarre claim from an Anfield legend given the assured performances from Kelleher thus far. The Cork-born youngster has been imperious in his handling and shot-stopping over the last three matches and has done nothing to suggest that would change, regardless of the approach from the opposition.
Jurgen Klopp’s most recent update on the fitness of Alisson would suggest the number one will be available to face Fulham, meaning the Irish youngster could find himself back on the sidelines.
Having leapfrogged Adrian in the pecking order, it will be interesting to see whether the experienced Spaniard makes way for the young protégé, having previously been a mainstay on the bench.
