A hamstring injury to Reds number one Alisson earlier this year opened the door for Kelleher to enjoy his most consistent run of starts since arriving at Anfield. Last season he made 26 appearances in all competitions, more than his previous four seasons combined.
The 25-year-old also featured in Liverpool's League Cup win over Chelsea last February and will add to his 12 caps for Ireland against Hungary and Portugal next month, with Southampton's Gavin Bazunu out injured until 2025.
But with three years left on Alisson's contract at Liverpool, Kelleher admits the time has come for him to step up and become a first-choice goalkeeper. The Corkman's current contract expires in 2026, but talks over his future on Merseyside will take place in the coming weeks.
“It would be great if that happened (as first choice) at Liverpool, but I'm not crazy. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years,” said Kelleher in an interview with The Athletic.
“I've had such a great time at Liverpool. It's been a crazy journey for me and one that I've absolutely loved. Whether it's here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I think the next step for me is to to become number 1.
“I wouldn't say I pushed (to leave) last summer, but I said, 'Look, I have to keep going for my career.' Jurgen (Klopp) said: 'If something happens to Ali, we really need you'. This season it turned out the best, because I played 26 games.
“There will be some discussions in the coming weeks. The club was busy with the departure of the manager and the appointment of a new one. With all the new staff arriving, those conversations will happen.
“I love being at Liverpool and hopefully there is more to come. But I feel I have completed my years as a number 2. The ambition now is to become a number 1. I am ready and capable.”
Today's sports news in 90 seconds – May 29
After a busy run of starts this season, ten of which came in the Premier League as the Reds finished the season in third place, Kelleher says it was satisfying to prove to people that he is capable of competing regularly at elite level to play.
“I thrived on it. I was waiting for such a moment. It was a huge opportunity for me to be Liverpool's No. 1 for so long,” said Kelleher, who signed from Ringmahon Rangers to the Anfield club's academy in 2015.
“It was my time to show at what level I think I can perform and at what level people at the club think I can play. I have proven that I am good enough to play in the Premier League. I feel comfortable there. I've always had that belief in myself. It was satisfying to prove it to people.”
With Kelleher also set to start Ireland's Nations League campaign later this year, starting at home to England in September, he says his dream is to reach major tournaments with the national team.
“My ambition is to become number 1 in Ireland. I want to help us get to big tournaments. That is a big target of mine but to really stake my claim I have to play week in week out,” he added, having made his senior debut under Stephen Kenny in 2021 but was number two in the last two qualifying campaigns.
With interim head coach John O'Shea announcing his 26-man squad yesterday, Kelleher and his Irish teammates will start work in Dublin tomorrow ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Hungary at Lansdowne Road. They then travel to Aveiro to face Portugal on June 11, with both opponents heading to the 2024 European Championship next month.