Bazunu who? Jurgen Klopp questions Caoimhín Kelleher's Ireland standing
Jurgen Klopp cannot understand how Caoimhín Kelleher isn't Ireland's first choice goalkeeper.
The Liverpool man has had to play second fiddle to Southampton's Gavin Bazunu in recent years, but speaking after Kelleher's fine showing in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Brentford, Klopp questioned that pecking order.
"He was outstanding. I don't know exactly, to be honest, who is the number one in Ireland but if they have a better goalkeeper than him I have to say, 'respect',” said Klopp.
"He's outstanding and this year we gave him more games than he had previously. It's well deserved because we need him."
Kelleher filled in once again for missing first choice Alisson at Brentford.
"We will see how long Ali is out, but Caoimhin is exceptional. Today he was... wow! It was an A-plus performance.”
Klopp was also full of praise for Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley, who returned to action for the first time since the death of his father.
"I am over the moon about him. It was pretty special. Very, very special. But he was special before the weekend. He's now again pretty special. He played an exceptional game.
"Conor played an exceptional game. He is flying at the moment. People said we needed another right-back in the summer, but we were always positive about Conor."
The win came at a cost as Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were both lost to what looked significant injuries in the first half.
Jones left the stadium on crutches after injuring his ankle and Jota departed the pitch on a stretcher, whilst Nunez was also withdrawn with a knock.
Of Jones' injury, Klopp said: "We have to see how (bad). We don't know that yet. The fact Curtis cannot play on tells you it must be something because he would have played on at all costs.
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