Cork keeper Caoimhín Kelleher set for loan move from Anfield to get experience

CORK’S Caoimhín Kelleher looks set to head out on loan from Liverpool in the New Year in an effort to help him get some first team experience.

Preston, who already have Cork's Alan Browne and former Cork City striker Seanie Maguire in their line-up are the early favourites to land him according to the Liverpool Echo. Kelleher is contracted to Liverpool until June 2021 and is highly rated by Jurgen Klopp.

Still the German is ready to approve a loan move in January for the former Ringmahon star who just turned 21. The Republic of Ireland U21 international from Cork is the third choice goalkeeper at Anfield behind Alisson Becker and summer signing Adrian.

Kelleher has featured for the Reds this season in the Carabao Cup and helped them to a penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal in the round of 16.

However manager Jurgen Klopp is eager to see Kelleher play more first team football and, and according to the Liverpool Echo, is ready to let him join a Championship club in January.

Klopp said recently of Kelleher: “The future is bright for him. He’s now growing, not growing size-wise but the muscles are coming step by step. [He’s] a very good footballer, very good with his feet.

“He’s just a very calm person, which helps as well as a goalie, so (he’s) a big, big talent.”

Any potential move away from Anfield will depend on how much Kelleher will be expected to feature with Liverpool keen to make sure any loans are beneficial to them and their young players.

Former Ringmahon star Kelleher is, however, likely to play a part when Liverpool travel to Aston Villa for the Carabao Cup quarter-final in December.