Cork-born goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made a second-half appearance in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Manchester City at the International Champions Cup in New Jersey on Wednesday evening.
After making his senior bow for the club in a friendly against Blackburn Rovers last week, Kelleher, who joined the Anfield club from Ringmahon Rangers in 2015, replaced Loris Karius at the MetLife Stadium.
51' Incredible goalkeeping from Caoimhin Kelleher, City are through on goal in a 2v1 situation, they pass it across goal and Kelleher get in front of it in the last second
— The Kopite (@TheKopiteOFF) July 26, 2018
He made a smart save from Leroy Sane shortly after the latter had put City ahead on 57 minutes.
Their lead did not last long, however, as Mohamed Salah buried a header six minutes later - with his second touch of the game and just 52 seconds after coming off the bench.
Despite only playing in goal from the age of 14 with Ringmahon Rangers, Ireland underage keeper Caoimhin Kelleher has shone at international level and last week made his first team debut at Liverpool. This is the story so far.. #COYBIG #LFC pic.twitter.com/46J2yCh12Q
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) July 23, 2018
The Egyptian came close to scoring another two in the closing minutes - a header was blocked on the line and his second effort struck the crossbar.
But the period of concerted pressure from the Reds finally paid off in injury time.
Awarded a penalty when Dominic Solanke was fouled in the back by Tosin Adarabioyo, Liverpool forward Mane rolled his spot-kick to the left as Joe Hart dived in the opposite direction, providing a dramatic close to the match between the Premier League rivals.
Another Irish teenager, Tyreke Wilson, was on the bench for City.
