Caoimhín Kelleher: 'It looks like Liverpool have decided to go in a different direction'

Caoimhin Kelleher admits his plan to leave Liverpool for first-team football was vetoed during the recent transfer window by the club.

The Corkman revealed earlier in the year his desire to seek a new challenge unless the No 1 spot became available, a situation denied once Alisson opted against moving to Saudi Arabia.

New Reds boss Arne Slot is looking to the future by recently recruiting Giorgi Mamardashvili and the Georgian will arrive following this season’s loanback expecting to become the Brazilian’s main rival.

"I made it clear in the last few years I want to go be a number one and play week in, week out,” said Kelleher, preparing for Ireland’s Uefa Nations League match against Greece at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“The club made the decision to get another goalkeeper (and) from the outside looking in, looks like they have made a decision to go in another direction.

“Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like it is 100 per cent my decision but at times it is not always in my hands."

He added on the recent speculation linking him with a move to Nottingham Forest: "My mission was to go out and play, and be a number one.

“It has been reported that Liverpool had rejected a few bids as well. It is not always in my hands to make the decision. 

"My ambition is to prove I am good enough to play week in, week out."

But for a string of saves from the 25-year-old, especially late in the game, Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to England would have been more resounding.

Gavin Bazunu’s Achilles injury has removed one competitor from the field and he’s managed to edge out Mark Travers to remain first-choice under new Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.

“Yeah, it was definitely up there,” said the 25-year-old when asked if marked the best international performance in 15 matches.

“I had a few saves to make and stuff and thankfully I was able to help the team. 

"Personally for me, it's not about that, it's about the team and getting the right result for the country.

“Personally happy with my own performance but I think we definitely need to improve as a team. Tuesday against Greece is a big game for us.”