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Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Liverpool to retain the services of Caoimhin Kelleher this summer. 

The lowdown: So far so good

Added to the Reds’ youth ranks as a teenager from Ringmahon Rangers, the 23-year-old made a combined 51 appearances for the under-23 and under-18 sides prior to becoming a regular part of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans.

The Cork native has made 17 senior outings for the Anfield club so far, playing a major role in the Carabao Cup success last season and also becoming a fully-fledged Republic of Ireland international.

Despite those personal achievements and a report from The Athletic claiming that the Irishman is part of the long-term plan, Kelleher remains the understudy to Alisson at Liverpool, but one pundit has backed the talented Irishman to stay put…

The latest: ‘Will get opportunities’

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson – who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports – has insisted that the Reds must keep the 23-year-old, with reports last month claiming that the Liverpool stopper may want to move elsewhere to get more game-time.

The former England goalkeeper said of Kelleher: “It is imperative that they keep him from a Liverpool point of view. He is so young. He has shown the ability that he has got. There is no doubt about it, he has the ability to play week in, week out as a number one.

“Every Premier League club carries two number one goalkeepers now. It is vitally important that they do because they are playing in so many competitions. Kelleher will get opportunities but it really depends what he wants.

“The number one has changed massively at the big clubs. Managers are not afraid to rotate goalkeepers now. There is always a clear number one at a club but if he is not playing well there is a number two there that the manager is able to put in.”

The verdict: Unfinished business

The pathway to becoming the first choice on Merseyside seems blocked for the foreseeable future given that Alisson is still only 29 years old and in a position whereby players tend to enjoy prolonged careers at the top.

However, Kelleher certainly has what it takes to pressurise the Brazilian for the number one berth and still has plenty to offer the Reds in the short term and in years to come.

Already a serial trophy winner, the eight-cap Irishman – who was dubbed ‘outstanding’ by Klopp for two penalty saves against Leicester City last season en route to Carabao Cup glory – has proven in his short career to be of the level required to perform on a consistent basis, and that could eventually force a move away.

Furthermore, having not been named in the Liverpool travelling party for their pre-season tour of the far east, there could well be concerns over whether the £7.2m-valued Kelleher is indeed content with a continued backup role at Anfield.

Leeds United are preparing a bid for Brighton left-back Zak Sturge, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Sturge profiled

Sturge is 18 years of age and is an England under-18 international despite also having Guyanan citizenship. The teenager, who has also played as a left midfielder for the Seagulls, has made a total of 44 appearances for Brighton’s youth teams.

The majority of his displays have come for the under-18s, for whom he has registered five assists in 41 games. He is expected to leave as a free agent when his contract expires on Thursday, and it looks as if Thorp Arch could be his next destination.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Sturge

Football Insider shared a story on Tuesday morning regarding Sturge after being informed by a recruitment source. They claimed that Leeds have joined Chelsea in the race for the full-back by preparing a bid and are now pushing hard for a summer deal.

The report added that the Whites want to sign a left-back who has the potential to compete for a place in Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Leeds have struggled when it comes to left-back signings in recent years, with Junior Firpo the latest who hasn’t lived up to expectations at Elland Road.

The Spaniard received plenty of criticism during his first season at the club, making just 19 league starts.

He received more yellow cards (11) than any other Leeds player in 2021/22, and although Sturge wouldn’t replace Firpo straight away, it is interesting to see that Orta is looking to address what has been a problem area in the long run with a move for the Brighton teenager.

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan star defender Milan Skriniar.

The Lowdown: Conte hunting centre-back…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, setting his sights on a left-footed central defensive star, has been linked to no shortage of options as club chief Fabio Paratici adopts his scattergun approach.

The Lilywhites have shortlisted many names, including Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Stefan De Vrij and Clement Lenglet (GiveMeSport).

A real priority for Spurs, it appears their defender chase has taken another twist as Jacobs shares news on Skriniar.

The Latest: Jacobs makes Skriniar claim…

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According to his sources, the Lilywhites are eyeing a move for Inter’s colossal defender alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Skriniar is apparently ‘very much for sale’ and the Nerazzurri value him at around £69 million – but they could be forced to accept a lower bid if Dybala and Lukaku arrive.

The Slovakia international, according to Jacobs, apparently wants his future ‘resolved by early July’.

The Verdict: Advance?

Depending on developments, more specifically if Inter lower the player’s £69m valuation, we believe Skrinair would be a brilliant addition for Conte.

Called a ‘monster’ by Italian football writer Carlo Garaganese, the 27-year-old was a mainstay under Simone Inzaghi last season, playing the second-most Serie A minutes behind goalkeeper Samir Handanovic (WhoScored).

The Inter untouchable also made more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates with over five league starts (WhoScored), finishing 21/22 as one of their top ten performers overall (WhoScored).

As Tottenham’s defender chase continues, this may well be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Significant talks: Tottenham emerge as likelier destination for ‘superstar’! Find out more here.

Manchester United have recently been linked with a move for Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, and the target man could prove to be new manager Erik ten Hag’s next Sebastien Haller at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

United are one of several European sides to be linked with the 6 foot 7 forward so far this year, and the Austrian revealed recently that he was “open to everything” as he eyes a summer move away from the Bundesliga outfit.

He is currently training with recently departed coach Ralf Ragnick as Austria prepare to take on Croatia in the Nations League on Friday evening, although his previous comments about the situation and players at Old Trafford might be enough to put the 24-year-old off a move to the Red Devils.

However, with Edinson Cavani having confirmed his departure and Marcus Rashford failing to fire last season, with just six goal contributions in the top-flight, it seems clear that Ten Hag will need reinforcements in attack if his debut campaign is going to be a success.

Ten Hag’s own Haller?

Kalajdzic could perform a similar job to Haller, who excelled under the Dutch manager at Ajax, contributing a superb 47 goals and 16 assists in just 66 appearances for the Eredivisie giants.

The £19.8m-rated Stuttgart man may have struggled with injuries last season but has found the net with regularity during his time at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, notching 24 goals in just 54 appearances for Die Schwaben thus far.

Like Haller, the 24-year-old would provide a serious aerial threat for Ten Hag and would be learning from arguably the best header of the ball in world football in Cristiano Ronaldo if he were to make the switch to Old Trafford.

Journalist and pundit Marcel Reif was highly complimentary of the striker’s ability earlier this year, saying that he can do “crazy things in the air.”

Although Ronaldo was one of United’s only consistent performers in their woeful 2021/22 campaign, it is unreasonable to expect him to start every game at 37 and Kalajdzic could be a great rotation option for Ten Hag if he chooses to operate with a target man like he did with Haller at Ajax.

The young forward also comfortably averaged more aerial duels won per game than any United player managed last season, which goes to show just what he could add to the Red Devils.

If the Austrian proves to be anywhere near as impressive as the former West Ham man under United’s new manager, then he would surely prove to be an excellent signing for next season.

And, in other news… United in ‘direct contact’ with former Ten Hag favourite 

Rangers enjoyed another special night at Ibrox as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men secured their spot in the final of the Europa League on Thursday.

The Gers came into the second leg of the semi-final clash with a 1-0 deficit to overturn and van Bronckhorst pulled off a masterclass as his team ended up winning 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.

James Tavernier scored the opening goal as he made his trademark run at the back post and was picked out brilliantly by Ryan Kent. The right-back made sure that he timed his run to perfection and slotted into a virtually empty net.

Glen Kamara then put Rangers ahead for the first time in the tie as he beautifully rolled a left-footed shot into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Christopher Nkunku made it 2-2 on aggregate in the second-half and, just when it looked like the game was heading for extra-time, John Lundstram sealed the club’s place in the final with a composed finish on the volley after a scramble in the box.

Whilst the ex-Sheffield United man won the match for the Gers, the player who stood out for van Bronckhorst’s side was £5.4m-rated Kamara in the middle of the park.

Kris Boyd, live on Sky Sports, said that Kamara’s strike got Ibrox “rocking” as his strike sent the fans into raptures in Glasgow. His goal was not the only part of his performance that left supporters buzzing, though, as he put in a brilliant display.

Lancashire journalist Cal Gaunt dubbed him an “absolute baller” and he certainly showcased his ability as he ran the show offensively. For Tavernier’s goal, the Finland international brilliantly trapped the ball under pressure and produced a deft touch to send Kent away down the left – eventually crossing for the captain to score.

Couple this with his cultured finish for the second goal and only losing possession every 3.7 touches and you have the makings of a sublime European outing from the ex-Arsenal man.

Off the ball, he also made an impact. As per SofaScore, he won five of his nine individual duels and made one clearance, two interceptions and one tackle. This shows that he was not physically dominated by the opposition and held his own out of possession.

Therefore, he was superb for Rangers throughout the game and got Ibrox rocking with his brilliance, with Kamara surely forcing himself into the starting line-up for the final.

AND in other news, Rangers played an Ibrox blinder with £22k-pw “cornerstone” who’s like “Graeme Souness”…

The England opener has remained undroppable despite plenty of patchy form, and he showed why at The Oval

Matt Roller01-Aug-2025

Zak Crawley got to his half-century in just 42 balls•AFP via Getty Images

How do you explain a cricketer like Zak Crawley? He is an outlier, a player who continues to defy conventional wisdom. No man in Test history has opened the batting so often (93 innings) and averaged so little (31.06), yet he is one half of England’s most prolific opening partnership for a decade and his place has rarely been so secure.This Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series has been a trademark Crawley series: he has averaged 34.50, a tick over his career mark, and has thrilled and frustrated in equal measure. He has made three substantial contributions in eight innings, yet none of England’s first-choice top seven have scored fewer runs. He remains England’s enigma, his career a web of contradictions.Crawley was England’s top-scorer in their first innings at The Oval and personified their approach, jumping at the chance to dominate India’s seamers. Before his dismissal, Crawley hit one in every four balls that he faced for four, maintaining a strike rate well above 100. He scored 56 of his 64 runs in boundaries, reasoning that on a seaming pitch, attack was the best form of defence.Related

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It was the perfect attack for him to face. Crawley has the peculiar distinction of getting better when the bowling gets faster, reasoning that he is at his best when he has no time to think and lets his instincts take over. Facing seam, he averages 43.31 against balls at 84mph/135kph or quicker, compared to just 27.31 against those below.But that is precisely why England’s management have retained him for so long. He has missed only three of their 47 Tests since Boxing Day 2021 – and those through injury – despite two long ruts in form. That he was their top-scorer in two consecutive marquee series (Australia 2023 and India 2024) vindicated the sense that he is better equipped against the best than the rest.Crawley is encapsulated by the fact he has only been dismissed once in 119 balls in this series against Jasprit Bumrah, but twice in the seven balls he has faced from Nitish Kumar Reddy. India’s rebalancing at The Oval pitted him against three fast-medium bowlers; Crawley may have been the only England batter to breathe a sigh of relief when India left Shardul Thakur out.If he rode his luck at times – inside-edging Prasidh Krishna past leg stump, flashing him over the slips – he made good use of it. Crawley hit two perfect straight drives – one mid-off, the other mid-on – in three balls from Mohammed Siraj, and made a capacity crowd collectively purr when he spanked Prasidh through cover point.1:58

Bangar on Crawley-Duckett: Haven’t seen batting of that quality

His partnership with Ben Duckett was worth 92 in just 12.5 overs, and the collapse that followed vindicated their ultra-positive approach. Crawley and Duckett refused to let India’s seamers settle, disrupting their lengths by charging down the pitch and – in Duckett’s case – playing conventional and reverse-scoops. On a green seamer, it was defence that proved fatal.It was evident from Shubman Gill’s reactions at third slip – and, soon enough, mid-off – that England’s openers put India under severe pressure. After India folded for 224, Gill was caught between stools: he had no runs to play with, yet knew that he needed to break the partnership as soon as possible. Duckett’s fluffed reverse came as a huge relief.By that stage, Duckett and Crawley had reached a rare milestone, bringing up 500 runs for the series as an opening pair. It was the first time any opening pair had done so since 2015, and they were the first England openers to since Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook in the 2010-11 Ashes. No wonder Crawley, for all his flaws, is considered undroppable.Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett have been the perfect contrast as an opening pair•Getty ImagesIt is not hard to work out why they have been such a success together. “One’s right-handed and a giant, the other is left-handed and isn’t,” Ben Stokes wrote in his programme notes for the Edgbaston Test. “When they get going, it can be a nightmare for bowlers trying to find rhythm.” A good ball to one is a freebie to the other, and vice-versa.Crawley is clearly frustrating to play against, and not only for his free-wheeling batting. He thrived on his role as pantomime villain at Lord’s and was on the wind-up again last week in Manchester, telling India’s batters their decision to bat on for centuries was “embarrassing” – seemingly oblivious that he was England’s only specialist batter without one in the series.His spliced pull to square midwicket felt oddly apt: he has always been a player of style over substance, and an anticlimactic dismissal was perfectly in keeping with the Crawley experience. On the flipside, for all that it looked like a missed chance to define the match, Crawley’s 64 was the highest score across both teams’ first innings.The Oval suits Crawley: it is one of two venues (along with the Utilita Bowl) where he has passed 50 three times in Test cricket, and is the English ground where he has scored the fastest. England have averaged fewer runs per wicket at The Oval than any other home venue in the last four summers; it is utterly in keeping with Crawley’s eccentricities that he has thrived there.

Key questions for India during their three-match ODI series against Australia

Shashank Kishore16-Mar-2023After retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning a challenging Test series 2-1, India switch focus to the ODI against Australia, their last three 50-over fixtures until July. And with the World Cup at home in October and November, every series is an opportunity to fine tune their best combination.India began 2023 with ODI wins at home against Sri Lanka and New Zealand and a number of regulars who missed those series, such as Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, are back now. Others like Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are out with injuries, with no definite timeline on their return.Here are some of the key questions regarding India’s team combination in the ODI series against Australia:Related

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Will Shreyas Iyer’s absence open up a spot for Suryakumar Yadav?Shreyas has been prolific at No. 4 – 805 runs at an average of 47.35 with two hundreds and five half-centuries in 20 innings – but injuries have been an issue lately. He missed the ODIs against New Zealand because of back stiffness and is now out of the Australia series with a recurrence of the same problem.Suryakumar Yadav took Shreyas’ spot during the New Zealand series and scored 31 and 14 in his two innings. However, he hasn’t been able to carry his explosive and consistent T20I form into ODIs. In 50-over cricket, Suryakumar averages only 28.86 with just two half-centuries in 18 innings. If India are determined to unlock his potential in ODIs, they could look to give him three more games against Australia.Ishan Kishan back to being reserve opener?Suryakumar will compete with Ishan Kishan and Rahul for places in the middle order. Kishan batted in the middle order during the New Zealand series, but wasn’t able to build on his record-breaking fastest ODI double-ton against Bangladesh in December.After that knock, Kishan was widely expected to become India’s first-choice opener, but the team management backed Shubman Gill in that role, a move that has paid off. While Kishan is likely to open with Gill in Rohit Sharma’s absence in the first ODI, he could slip back into being a reserve opener once Rohit returns.