Jurgen Klopp heaps praise on goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of their clash with Sheffield United... as Liverpool boss insists there is 'no chance' Reds would be challenging for the Treble without the 25-year-old

Jurgen Klopp has given the ultimate backing to Caoimhin Kelleher and insisted Liverpool would not be pushing to win a Treble without him.

Republic of Ireland international Kelleher will make his 24th appearance of the season against Sheffield United, a figure that will remarkably see him match the amount that Alisson Becker – Liverpool’s number one – has made so far.

Alisson, who many had regarded as being Liverpool’s Player of the Year before he succumbed to a hamstring injury at the beginning of February. The Brazilian continues to make good steps in his rehabilitation and it is hoped he will re-join team training next week.

Many anticipated Liverpool’s prospects would have been significantly hindered without Alisson in goal but Kelleher has stepped up significantly with a string of outstanding performances, such as in the Carabao Cup final when his crucial saves provided the foundation for a 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Liverpool turned down a £15million bid from Nottingham Forest for Kelleher in January, adamant that his value is well in excess of £20million, but – as far as Klopp is concerned – his contributions, such a huge save from Brighton’s Lewis Dunk on Sunday, has been priceless since he stepped up.

‘I’ve never been shy of praising “Quive” but how well these boys have done when opportunities have come to them has been extraordinary,’ said Klopp, who hopes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are close to ending their own lengthy absences.

‘You hope this will be the case, for players such as Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez having to play on the left, but you can never expect it. I’ve never been in doubt about them but it is wonderful, absolutely wonderful, seeing them do this.

‘How can I say it: without Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, there is no chance we are in this position; no chance at all. Ali is with the goalkeeper coaches, so I just see them through the fence (working), but that looks good as well.’

Klopp knows Liverpool’s season is approaching boiling point and the quest to add the Premier League – and, potentially, the Europa League in Dublin – will take shape over the next seven days with games against the Uniteds from Sheffield and Manchester, as well as Atalanta.

Many have made Liverpool favourites to become domestic champions once again but Klopp, who is sweating on the fitness of Japan midfielder Wataru Endo, is paying no attention to outside noise and his only thoughts are on the first assignment.

‘The situation is, for us, Sheffield United and not who is the favourite,’ said Klopp. ‘I’m pretty sure when we lost at Arsenal (on February 4) we weren’t favourites after that – maybe rightly so – but I don't know and I don't care.

‘One of the most important things to get through this period is to ignore the outside noise. as it goes up and down and is emotional. We have to be professional – be emotional but in the right way – and be the best version of ourselves, play the best football we can play.

‘Then let's see what eh outcome is. There are no guarantees, there are just opportunities. The clearer the opportunity the more likely you can take it.’