Jurgen Klopp isn't planning on Caoimhin Kelleher leaving Liverpool this summer - although the Wembley hero is poised for an immediate return to the bench.
Kelleher etched his name into the Anfield annals by keeping a clean sheet and then scoring in the subsequent penalty shoot-out as the Reds won the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in dramatic fashion on Sunday.
The 23-year-old featured regularly during the run to the final and also started the FA Cup fourth round win against Cardiff City, but will be replaced by Alisson Becker for tonight's fifth round clash at home to Norwich City.
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Kelleher's performances are likely to have caught the eye of a number of potential suitors who may test Liverpool's resolve during the next transfer window.
Klopp, though, has no intention of seeing the Republic of Ireland international leave, even on a temporary basis.
“For young goalkeepers it’s of course about development, and Caoimh developed here incredibly well," said the Reds boss.
“There’s absolutely no intention to sell him or something like that or give him a loan. Not at all.
“We need a strong number two. Winning a trophy, will that help? You’ll have to ask Caoimh that.
“But he has here a long-term contract and we have a long-term plan with him, but of course we want to help the boy as well become the best version of himself. That’s what we did so far and that’s what we will continue to do as well.
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“Maybe there is a year he will have to go on loan, I’m not sure it will be next year or maybe a year later.
"It depends a little bit on Marcelo (Pitaluga), he is already on a good way.
“We have to judge that situation. Adrian is still here and doing an incredible job. We will see."
Explaining the decision to remove Kelleher from the firing line against Norwich, Klopp added: "He had 120 minutes (on Sunday).
"You asked me last week if he will play before (the final) to get some rhythm, but he is used to the situation where he just comes on and has to play.
“He is not used to 120 minutes and then being the hero. There is no need to stress the situation. So no, he will not start.”
Klopp is likely to make wholesale changes for the visit of Norwich, who are struggling with a litany of injury problems.
Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones, who failed to make the matchday squad at Wembley, are likely to be involved, with Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harvey Elliott, Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino and Diogo Jota all vying or a start.
Klopp confirmed Thiago Alcantara has joined Roberto Firmino on the sidelines but played down fears of a serious hamstring problem, with the Spaniard having an outside chance of being fit for next Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 second leg at home to Inter Milan.
