Jurgen Klopp confirms goalkeeper plans for Carabao Cup final

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will be Liverpool's starting goalkeeper for the Carabao Cup final next month.

The Reds booked their place at Wembley as they drew 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, winning the semi-final 3-2 on aggregate.

Luis Diaz's early goal gave the visitors a cushion in the tricky second leg, while Issa Diop's second half leveller ultimately ended up mattering little.

Kelleher – who has started every game in the Carabao Cup so far this season – impressed on the night, making four saves, as he helped ensure Liverpool advance to the final for a repeat of 2022's showpiece against Chelsea, where he scored the winning spot-kick.

Speaking after the semi-final, Klopp reiterated that the 25-year-old, who normally plays second fiddle to Alisson, is a 'top, top' keeper and would not be replaced for the trip to Wembley.

“Imagine that,” Klopp replied when asked whether there could be a lineup change for the final.

“Caoihm is a top, top goalie and when Ali is fit, then he doesn’t have a lot of games, I want to give him desperately the opportunity to play.

“This competition I told Ali before the season, two years ago actually…that’s how it works.”

Along with his run as Carabao Cup keeper, Kelleher has started all but one of the Reds' Europa League games so far and played two Premier League matches in the absence of Alisson.

With 12 appearances so far in 2023/24, this is already the campaign in which the Cork-born keeper has played most for Liverpool, since making his debut in the 2019/20 season.

Kelleher, who holds Liverpool's club-record for most penalty shootout saves, has been linked with a transfer away from Anfield this summer, with Celtic among those linked.