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Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, embraces teammate Caoimhin Kelleher after the clean sheet in the 2-0 home win over Manchester City(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been praised for being 'brave' and opting to leave Anfield in order to challenge himself.

Brentford confirmed they had completed the signing of the Republic of Ireland international in an £18million deal earlier this month.

Kelleher made 20 appearances last season – largely in two spells when Alisson Becker was injured – and wanted more first-team football.



The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, and former Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has praised Kelleher for making the move to the capital.

“Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford is a really good move, a really good move,” he said.

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“I think now he's in the best years of his career and for him to not be playing with his quality would be a great shame, it was never going to be easy at Liverpool.

“Going to Brentford is a brave move, he could’ve stayed and been comfortable at Liverpool on a really good contract, but he has decided to challenge himself.

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“It’s absolutely fantastic for him, I’m really pleased for him and can't wait to see him play week in and week out and see what he can do.”

Speaking after his move to the Bees was confirmed, Kelleher said: “I don’t think it was very difficult for me to leave (Liverpool).

“I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a number one and to play every week.

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“I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago.

Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible.

“It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game.

It was impressive and I think the club’s a really good fit for me.”


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