Caoimhín Kelleher opens up on Liverpool future as Troy Parrott looks forward to next step in Dutch top-flight

With the new Premier League campaign a little over a month away, questions remain over the Corkman’s future with the Reds as he seeks regular first-team football.

Approaching his tenth season with the club, the 25-year-old enjoyed by far his busiest campaign last term making 26 appearances across all competitions, more than his previous four seasons combined, after Reds number one Alisson was ruled out for three months with injury.

With three years remaining on the Brazilian’s contract, Kelleher’s best chance of regular starts appears to be away from the Merseyside club.

In May he offered his clearest indication yet that his years as a number two are coming to an end and hinted at an exit from Anfield.

“It would be great if that (being first choice) happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years,” said Kelleher, in a May interview with The Athletic, adding that discussions over his future would be held this summer

“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”

But having begun pre-season training under new boss Arne Slot last week, Kelleher has now opened up on his targets for the upcoming campaign as Liverpool begin life without Jurgen Klopp.

“(My targets are) similar to last year really. Obviously I had a lot of games last season, which was really good. So just looking to do the same really and keep the same level of performance as well,” said Kelleher, whose deal with the Reds expires in 2026, having arrived from Ringmahon Rangers in 2015.

“(Slot) has been excellent so far. A lot of detail to what he wants us to do, there’s a lot of stuff to take onboard but he gets his messages across really well. His sessions are intense and he pushes us. It has been really enjoyable so far, I must say.

“The bones of the squad is still there and we want to push on. It’s not a rebuild or anything like that, it’s just finding those little extra things that can hopefully push us on and get us over the line to win some more trophies.”

While speculation over his club future continues, at international level, with Gavin Bazunu out injured until next year, Kelleher is set to add to his 14 caps this autumn when Ireland’s Nations League campaign begins at home to England on September 7.

Heimir Hallgrimsson, who was appointed as Stephen Kenny’s successor last Wednesday, will also lead Ireland against Greece and Finland with the campaign concluding against the Three Lions at Wembley in November. Iceland native Hallgrimsson is contracted to the end of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Meanwhile, Irish striker Troy Parrott says his permanent move to Dutch top-flight side AZ Alkmaar was all about “taking the next step” in his career.

The Dubliner put pen to paper on a five-year-deal worth around €8million yesterday, bringing an end to his time with Tottenham Hotspur where he had been since arriving from Belvedere in 2017.

The 22-year-old failed to break into the London club’s first-team though, making just four first-team appearances and has spent the last three seasons away on loan spells.

He impressed last term on the continent with 17 goals in 32 appearances for Excelsior Rotterdam, although he could not help them avoid relegation, but has decided to embark on a new chapter with AZ, who finished fourth last term and will compete in this season’s Europa League.

“I knew there was some interest (from AZ). For me, it’s about taking the next step, being settled somewhere for some years and continuing to grow as a player. I couldn’t wait to get here,” said Parrott, who has scored five times in 23 caps for Ireland.

“I played in Holland last season and against AZ. I heard it is a really good club for helping people like me to continue to grow and get better.

“I started back home in Ireland and then moved to England when I was quite young. Last year I moved abroad to a different country for the first time and really enjoyed it.

“Coming back here (to the Netherlands) was a lot easier and a decision I was happy with. I want to do good things with this club, hopefully score a lot of goals and who knows what the future holds?”

Also asked about his international ambitions, qualification for major tournaments tops the list for Parrott, with the 2026 World Cup campaign beginning in March.

“For me and the rest of the squad, the main goal for us is to go to tournaments,” he said.

“We have some older players in the squad who have experienced this but as younger players, we all want to experience what it’s like to play for your country at a major tournament.”

“After an amazing seven years full of memories and experiences, it’s time for me to take the next step in my career,” added Parrott, in a farewell message to Spurs on social media.

“I wanted to come on here to express my gratitude to the incredible players and staff members I have worked with, I’ve made friends for life.

“Finally, a massive thank you to the fans that have and continue to support me through my journey. Spurs will always be in my heart.”