Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has lavished praise on no.2 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher's form this season.

The shot stopper has been reliable when called on this term, which has proved vital with Alisson Becker injured.

Kelleher put in an assured display as the Reds secured a 3-0 win over Southampton in the FA Cup.

After moving into the quarters, Klopp reserved praise for Kelleher, stating: “I love it. Said it before, said it last year, said it two years ago, said it very often actually that he's an exceptional goalkeeper but goalkeepers need rhythm.

“There was the situation in the summer obviously. He's a confident boy, he knows he can play in other teams but there is Alisson Becker, the No.1. We gave him the Europa League games, I think that makes a real different because it was Carabao Cup and the Europa League games, I don't know exactly how many that [is] – 10, 12 already? Then unfortunately Ali got injured, so he had to play and got the rhythm and now you can see what Caoimh is.

We had the goal against Fulham, I think, when the two goals he conceded, he looked a bit unlucky. I said after the game and I spoke to the goalie department, Ali as well, that's a problem of the way we want to be – so, front-footed, step into.

“When he stepped in, Harry Wilson was there with the toe, ball goes through and everybody says, 'He's not a good goalie.' He's an exceptional goalie but even they make mistakes from time to time. Thank God he didn't make one tonight because that kept us in the game – both games. Call it the Caoimhin Kelleher games because without him in that shape and Ali injured, we wouldn't have won the Carabao Cup and wouldn't have won tonight. That's the goalie's job as well."