Liverpool U23s leave Roy Keane red-faced

Liverpool U23s have left Roy Keane red faced at Kirkby Academy as he turned up to watch young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in action.

According to journalist James Pearce, the day marks about a year since Keane reckoned he wouldn’t watch the Reds if they played a game in his garden – and now he’s traveling to Merseyside on a Sunday to take in a second-string fixture.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager was casting his eye over prospect Kelleher as he played against Derby County in the Premier League 2.

You’d never expect a former Manchester United legend to speak too kindly about the Reds, but after that comment the way things have turned out is just beautiful.

Keane loves a strong statement, and there won’t be many Koppites who will lose any sleep over seeing one of them come back to bite him.

Interestingly, Ben Woodburn also got a run out as Sheffield United allowed him to return to Merseyside for the game. Woodburn has hardly played since August and the Rams clash allowed him to get some minutes into his legs.

However, Liverpool lost 3-2 as Kelleher couldn’t do enough to stop a rampant Derby County side from overpowering the Reds.

With Alberto Moreno’s contract due to expire in the summer, eyes were also on left-back Adam Lewis. The youngster played well and was a threat going forward, said the Liverpool Echo, and his performance was a promising sign of what the future could hold.

Curtis Jones wasn’t played due to the injuries to midfielders in the senior squad, which means that Jurgen Klopp must be keeping a close eye on the lad. Jones impressed during pre-season, and it would be great to see another local lad make their first team debut.

But the focus will now be on the Champions League and Red Star Belgrade, who won’t make it easy for Liverpool to walk away with three points.