Caoimhin Kelleher acknowledges that he may depart from Liverpool with “big ambition.”

Jurgen Klopp has given Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher a hearty recommendation as he enters the next phase of his career.

The 25-year-old, who filled in for Alisson Becker during his most successful season to date, has acknowledged that he might need to leave Liverpool in order to pursue his dream of playing regularly in the top division.

With Klopp’s final remarks after his tenure on Merseyside came to an end, he will continue to conduct business, regardless of whether his future at Anfield under new manager Arne Slot is attained or not.

When asked what guidance the German had given him, Kelleher replied, “He had some nice words for me.”

“You became a brilliant goalkeeper  in that time,” he observed to me after I worked with him for a lot of years. No matter where I go in my job, he will follow me. He wants to be pleased and watch me play.

When 31-year-old Brazil international Alisson was injured in February, Klopp had little hesitation in turning to Kelleher, who had done so brilliantly for him in the past – especially in the Carabao Cup, which produced another winners’ medal last season.

The Irishman stood in for 14 straight games, demonstrating his ability to be a number one and drawing even more attention to his future. He will hopefully be selected for his nation’s friendlies against Hungary and Portugal in the coming week or two.

However, the South American was made whole upon his return to fitness, and although his backup plans to overthrow him as Slot gets ready for his first campaign in charge, he is realistic enough to understand that he might have to relocate in order to pursue his goals.

Kelleher stated: “The season I’ve had, I’ve played a lot of games and had that taste this season of being a number one.” Kelleher was the target of a January move from Nottingham Forest and has since been linked with Celtic.

It’s unclear if that will happen at Liverpool or somewhere else. Right now, my primary goal is to be the best.

Needless to say, I enjoy representing Ireland. Being the best here is one of my biggest goals, but that obviously only works if I’m the best at the club as well.

“That also plays a significant role in supporting my claim to be the best in Ireland.”

Kelleher will start the new season with confidence in his ability to play at the greatest level, no matter where the summer leads him.

“I don’t think there was any internal doubt from myself,” he declared. Anyone at Liverpool, I believe, would feel the same way. It was more about me having the chance to show everyone else that I’m capable of playing at this level.

“I think that was the main goal, to prove to everyone else, and I was always waiting for that chance to get a run of games.”

“I’ve always thought I’m good enough, but it was important to prove to everyone else that I can play at this level.”