Klopp hails evolution of the 'skinny boy from Ireland'

Jurgen Klopp has hailed Caoihmin Kelleher's evolution from being "a skinny boy from Ireland" into a high-quality Liverpool goalkeeper.

It's been a season of impressive development for the Corkman, who continues to battle Gavin Bazunu for the Ireland No 1 spot while deputising for Alisson Becker at club level.

Kelleher caught the eye once again as the Reds beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates to book their place in the Carabao Cup final, and Klopp was happy to air his satisfaction with the 23-year-old's improvement.

"We're more than happy with him, absolutely, " said Klopp. "This is a [goalkeeping coach] John Achterberg project. There were a lot of steps to go [when] I arrived here [in 2015] and saw him for the first time - a skinny boy from Ireland. Standing in his big goal, it was like, 'okay... it could take a while until he fills it in'.

"Since then he's made incredible steps and now he is a top-class goalie, definitely. Calm... good with the ball, and on top of that, he makes incredible saves. We are more than happy to have him."

Klopp insists his side will not get carried away and "celebrate like kids" over a first trip to Wembley in six years as there is business to be done in the Premier League.

They can look forward to a return to the stadium for a domestic cup final for the first time since they lost to Manchester City in the League Cup during Klopp's first season in 2016.

But while Thursday's result was a boost, Klopp insists Liverpool cannot allow their focus to be distracted from keeping the pressure on Manchester City, who have an 11-point cushion at the top of the table having played one match more.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, he said: "Last night we were flying. It gives us confidence because of