Corkman Caoimhín Kelleher stars in penalty shoot-out for Liverpool

Irish soccer international Caoimhín Kelleher saved two penalties during a shoot-out in Liverpool's League Cup tie against Leicester City last night, ensuring the Merseyside club progressed to the semi-finals.

In just his third appearance for Liverpool this season, Kelleher stopped shots from Luke Thomas and Ryan Bertrand before Diogo Jota struck home the decisive spot-kick.

The Reds had come back from being 3-1 down at halftime to draw the game and take it to penalties.

Speaking after the game, Kelleher said that "The manager just said at halftime, 'If you get the next goal this crowd will get up and anything can happen.' So we always believe right to the end and that showed."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp singled out the Corkman for praise after the match, declaring that he "saved their lives".

"Caoimhín is an outstanding goalkeeper. With his feet, his understanding, all the skills. Not the first time he's been in a spectacular game. He saved our lives."

Although Kelleher is currently behind Gavin Bazunu in the race to be Ireland's No.1 goalkeeper, performances like last night's, and if he were to get more game time either at Liverpool or at a new club, will surely put him in Stephen Kenny's thoughts going into the Uefa Nations League campaign next year.