Caoimhin Kelleher relishing 'tough' Carabao Cup test against West Ham

Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher is eyeing another taste of Carabao Cup glory as the Reds gear up for a "tough" quarter-final showdown against West Ham United on Wednesday evening.

"It’s going to be a tough game against West Ham but hopefully we can get the win and go one step closer to Wembley again," said the Irish goalkeeper, who is set to start the game at Anfield.

"West Ham are obviously a quality side," said Kelleher, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead on Wednesday. "It was a tough game when we played them in the league already this season at home. We just need to prepare right for it."

David Moyes' team come into the game on the back of good recent form, including successive home wins and clean sheets (a 2-0 win over Freiburg in the Europa League before a 3-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend).

What's more, the Hammers reached this stage of the competition thanks to an impressive 3-1 win over current league leaders Arsenal.

A good springboard

If the Reds are to win on Wednesday, this would put them just one step away from a Wembley final.

Having experienced the elation of winning the Carabao Cup in 2022, Kelleher highlighted the importance of such successes early in the season: "It’s nice that you can win a trophy so early on in the season, in February – it gives the team a really good positive feeling to try to finish off the season as well."

The competition has been good for the 25-year-old on a personal level, too. "Personally, it has given me a lot of chances to get games and stuff like that. I only have good memories when this competition comes around, so I’m always excited to play in it."

Penalty heroics

If penalty kicks are required on Wednesday night, one man who won't be fazed is the Irishman, who boasts an impressive record in shootouts.

“It’s not bad!” he said of his record. With six saves in penalty shootouts to his name, the goalkeeper holds the club record and maintains a flawless winning streak in such situations.

Therefore, should there be deadlock after 90 minutes, Kelleher's expertise might prove decisive. In fact, he'll be relishing it: "Maybe there might be a few more this season, you never know, so hopefully try to add to it."