"I heard Arne Slot's commented about him":— Shay Given Urges Caoimhin Kelleher to Leave Liverpool after what Arne slot said about him

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has advised Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to leave the club at the end of the season if he wants to reach his full potential as a first-choice Goalkeeper.

The 25-year-old has been performing brilliantly in the absence of Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since October. Kelleher’s recent standout moment came during the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 win over Finland, where he made an important penalty save in the second half.

At Liverpool, Kelleher has impressed in both the Premier League and the Champions League, helping the Reds climb to the top of both competitions during Alisson’s recovery. Despite his performances, manager Arne Slot has made it clear that Alisson will reclaim his No. 1 spot once he recovers.

Shay Given, who enjoyed a remarkable career with clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, believes it’s time for Kelleher to move on. He praised Kelleher’s talent and potential but emphasized that staying as Alisson’s backup will hold him back.

“Caoimhin played 26 games last season and showed he has what it takes to be a No.1 goalkeeper in the Premier League,” said Given. “But he’s turning 26 soon, and if I’m being honest, he needs to leave Liverpool to make that happen.”

Given acknowledged that competing with Alisson, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, is an difficult battle for Kelleher. He also pointed out that Slot’s public comments about Alisson being the undisputed first-choice could be disheartening for the Irish goalkeeper.

“Every footballer wants to feel they have a chance to secure their spot if they perform well,” Given explained. “But Kelleher has been told he will always be second to Alisson. That’s tough for a player who has proven his quality.”

Given believes that Kelleher has been too loyal to Liverpool and suggested that it’s time for him to make a tough decision about his career.

“He’s done his time at Liverpool, but they can’t hold him back any longer,” Given continued. “Sometimes, you have to push for a move, even if it’s uncomfortable. He has one career, one chance, and he doesn’t want to look back in ten years and wonder what could have been.”

For now, Kelleher will remain Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper while Alisson recovers, with key matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City coming up. However, his long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain, and Given’s words might give him something to think about.