Praise For Liverpool's Kelleher; Premier League Managers & Players To Meet re: Welfare

Kelleher saved 2 penalties in shoot-out with Leicester

SOCCER

Caoimhín Kelleher played a key role as Liverpool booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup last night.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper saved two penalties to earn a win for Jurgen Klopp's side over Leicester at Anfield.

Takumi Minamino scored a stoppage-time equaliser to level the game at 3-3, before Liverpool won 5-4 in the shootout.

Klopp was full of praise for the Cork native.


 

Those Anfield nights ✨

𝑺𝒐, 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 23, 2021

Liverpool will play Arsenal in the semi-finals.

On the other side of the draw, Antonio Conte will go up against his former club.

His Tottenham side progressed courtesy of a 2-1 win over West Ham.

They will take on Chelsea, who enjoyed a 2-0 win away to Brentford.

🎥 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Spurs 2-1 West Ham pic.twitter.com/zFG588czfL

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 23, 2021

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Premier League managers and captains will hold meetings at 4 o'clock this afternoon, to discuss player welfare and fixture congestion following the rise in coronavirus cases at top flight clubs.

A full fixture list is due to go ahead over Christmas, but a number of the division's top stars are believed to be unhappy that they have not been consulted.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said one round of fixtures after St. Stephen's Day should be postponed:

RUGBY

Declan Kidney says he's happy in his current role, despite speculation linking him with a return to Munster.

The former Ireland coach - who guided the province to two Heineken Cup titles - is currently Director of Rugby with London Irish.

Munster are on the lookout for a replacement for Johann Van Graan, who will leave for Bath at the end of the season.

Some reports suggest he could be poised for a return to Thomond Park.

GAELIC GAMES

Sallins GAA have announced Pat ‘Stretch’ Winders as their new Senior Football manager on a 3 year term.

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The fixtures for the John Kernis Cup U20 Development League have been announced

Laois v Kildare Saturday 19 February

Dublin v Kildare Saturday 27 February

Kildare v Meath Saturday 5 March

The team that tops the group will qualify for the final.

CRICKET

Ireland suffered a shock 26-run defeat in their first T-20 international with the United States in Florida last night.

The tourists made a bright start, reducing the US to just 16-for-4 at one point.

But the hosts recovered to post a total of 188.

In response, Ireland could only manage 162 for 6 from their 20 overs

The sides will meet again tomorrow.

DARTS

Fermanagh’s Brendan Dolan is in second round action this afternoon at the World Darts Championship.

He faces Callan Rydz for the right to play Nathan Aspinall in round-3.

Also in action this afternoon, Mensur Suljovic plays Alan Soutar.

There’s a meeting of former champions in the evening session, with Raymond van Barneveld taking on Rob Cross.