Andy Robertson: Liverpool man did something ‘ridiculous’ against Chelsea in Carabao Cup final

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Andy Robertson has told Liverpool’s site that Caoimhin Kelleher produced a “ridiculous” penalty in Sunday’s shootout against Chelsea – as the Reds won the Carabao Cup final. Robertson was full of praise for the Ireland stopper.

Kelleher, 23, had played three of Liverpool’s previous five Carabao Cup outings – playing a crucial part in the Reds reaching the final. On Sunday, Jurgen Klopp averted the temptation to play his no.1 stopper, Alisson.

It paid off. Kelleher was superb throughout the match, making numerous saves and showing his technical ability with the ball at his feet. Then, in the shootout, Kepa and Kelleher were left with a spot-kick each – on 10-10.

Kelleher blasted the ball into the top corner, his previous youth days as a striker perhaps helping him. Kepa blazed his effort over the bar – and Robertson has heaped praise on the two-time Ireland international.

“I was desperate for him to save one, especially when I knew mine was coming up. His pen was ridiculous. Penalty shootouts are horrible – when it gets to the end it’s lads that are the least confident,” Robertson said.

“It’s tough. But Caoimh’s penalty was different class. The most important thing was we won it, whatever way we were willing to do it, whatever way possible. It had to go to penalties and luckily we all scored ours.”

Robertson on Kelleher: Liverpool star must make decision on future

Kelleher’s performance on Sunday was superb. But he has got to take a look at his future. Now 23, he is hardly a youngster – but he has only been afforded 17 appearances at senior level for the Merseyside outfit.

Klopp called him the best no.2 in the world on Sunday, but if Kelleher is to advance his international career – and his career as a whole – perhaps he needs to join a club where he is what Alisson is to Liverpool, a no.1?

A Championship side, or even a lower Premier League club might start Kelleher. This summer will be an interesting one and it will see Kelleher have to make a decision. Clubs will have taken note of his display.