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Liverpool hero Aldridge: Play Kelleher even when Alisson is fit

Liverpool hero John Aldridge says goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher deserves to keep his place when Alisson is fit.

After Sunday's draw with Manchester City, Aldridge wrote for the Liverpool Echo: "There was some talk last summer and in the January transfer window about Caoimhin Kelleher's future at Liverpool but the club need to make all of that go away now.

"The lad has been fantastic in goal during Alisson Becker's injury absence and was one again excellent against Manchester City. There's only one thing for it now: offer him a new contract and give him what he wants.

"He has performed superbly since he has been in the side over the last month or so and after an exceptional display on Thursday night at Sparta Prague he was at those levels again against Pep Guardiola's side.

"Liverpool will surely know they won't find a deputy goalkeeper as good as Kelleher and even if he is happy to be a bit-part player for next season, a new contract ties him down for longer at Anfield meaning it's a position the new manager won't have to worry about.

"And one thing I'd also suggest is that on current form Alisson Becker doesn't walk back into the team either. I mean it.

"It was always a concern in the squads I played in that you were terrified of getting injured because you knew you were at Liverpool and a club like that will always have top players ready to come and take your place while you're out.

"And if they took their chance then they kept the shirt. It should be no different here with Kelleher and Alisson. Sign him up, the Irishman has been brilliant."

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Paul Vegas

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