‘Excited’: Liverpool man suggests he’ll play first game in 7 months tonight

Follow us on Google Discover

Caoimhin Kelleher has indicated he’s in line for a rare start in Liverpool’s EFL Cup clash at Premier League strugglers Norwich City tonight, telling the club’s official website he is “really excited”.

The Carabao Cup isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – it fails to capture the imagination like the FA Cup or dominate column inches like the Champions League.

But for the likes of Kelleher, and other hungry young players looking to catch their manager’s eye, the competition is nothing short of gold dust.

The 22-year-old Irishman made his first-team debut in the third round of the competition, against MK Dons in 2019.

And, with Liverpool taking on Daniel Farke’s Norwich at Carrow Road tonight, Kelleher looks set to celebrate his tenth appearance in total under Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool starlet Kelleher ‘buzzing’ for rare start versus Norwich City

“(I’m) really excited to hopefully make my first competitive start of the season. I think we’re all looking forward to the game. It will be a good challenge and we’re buzzing,” Kelleher said after Pep Lijnders, Klopp’s assistant coach, suggested the Cork-born stopper would be chosen ahead of the experienced Adrian.

“Obviously I played a few games (in the cup) two seasons ago, and have some good memories of playing games.

“I made my debut for Liverpool in that competition as well. So it has been a tournament I really enjoy playing in and I’m looking forward to it again.”

It would be Kelleher’s first appearance since a shock 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in February.

16-year-old sensation Kaide Gordon could also feature in Liverpool colours for the first time since a summer move from Derby County, while teenage defender Conor Bradley has been mentioned as a potential starter in place of the injured Neco Williams.

There should also be opportunities for the likes of Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino, who have all found game time hard to come by this season.