Virgil van Dijk: I always said Caoimhin Kelleher is world-class

The Cork native has enjoyed an extended run in the Liverpool side recently following Alisson's injury.

WORLD CLASS: Virgil van Dijk has described Cork native Caoimhin Kellher as "world-class" following his recent impressive displays in goal for Liverpool. Pic: Matt McNulty/Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk has described Cork native Caoimhin Kellher as "world-class" following his recent impressive displays in goal for Liverpool.

The former Ringmahon Rangers shot-stopper, and striker of course, has started the last two Premier League matches for the Reds in place of the injured Alisson Becker.

The Mahon man made a string of excellent saves in Liverpool's 3-1 win at home to Burnley and followed that up with another superb showing in the 4-1 victory away at Brentford on Saturday morning.

And speaking to the club's official website, Van Dijk insisted he never doubted Kelleher's quality, with the Republic of Ireland international likely to keep his place between the posts for their league game against Luton Town at Anfield on Wednesday night and their Carabao Cup final showdown against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.

“I always said that he is a world-class goalkeeper,” said Van Dijk.

“It is very difficult to be a second ’keeper but there is no shame in being second goalkeeper to one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the world.

“He has to step up now and everyone needs a bit of confidence and everyone should give him the confidence that he will do the job. Everyone needs a bit of love from the outside.

“Hopefully Saturday will help him carry on and take that confidence into the next game.

“We need everyone in this whole fight. We are still competing on all fronts and let’s keep this going until the very last moment so we can be successful."