Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was hailed by supporters after making a save with his face to prevent the Reds from falling behind in the early stages of their Europa League quarter-final.

Kelleher was called into action in the third minute of Liverpool’s last eight tie against Atalanta at Anfield.

The Italian side looked poised to take an early lead with the ball falling invitingly for Mario Pasalic in the box.

Kelleher dived at full stretch in front of the Atalanta star to make a crucial block to keep the match goalless.

Replays showed the Liverpool goalkeeper had blocked Pasalic’s close range effort with his face, with Kelleher seen sporting a mark on his cheek where he made the block.

Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman, speaking on TNT Sports, hailed Kelleher for making the crucial stop and his contribution to Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.

‘What a save this is by Kelleher and he’s got a mark on his face, X marks the spot where that save happened,’ McManaman said.

‘He’s been brilliant [this season], we shouldn’t really call him a number two – only because Liverpool have Allison on the injury list!

‘But he is certainly not a number two – he’s a brilliant number one.’

Klopp was seen mouthing ‘wow’ on the touchline, while Liverpool fans took to social media to hail Kelleher’s save.

‘Absolutely incredible save by Kelleher. Saved it with his face,’ one fan wrote.

Another added ‘Kelleher saving goals with his face now’, while a third labelled the stop as ‘outrageous’.

Kelleher was unable to prevent Liverpool from falling behind before half-time, with Gianluca Scamacca giving Atalanta a 38th minute lead.

The former West Ham striker’s low effort went under Kelleher’s body to give the Serie A side a shock lead.

The Irish goalkeeper was making his 26th appearance of the season for Liverpool.

Kelleher has played a vital role for the Reds this season and has deputised by Alisson during Liverpool’s No 1’s recent injury.