Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has praised two of the club’s young stars who were recently given a first taste of senior action for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp handed a first start for Calvin Ramsay in Liverpool's win over Derby County in the Carabao Cup last week. The young right-back arrived from Aberdeen in the summer, but has been forced to wait for his opportunity due to injury.
Last week’s win also saw a debut for youngster Ben Doak, who appeared as a substitute at Anfield. Aged just 16 at the time, before turning 17 a couple of days later. The forward certainly earned plenty of admirers for his cameo, and has now been rewarded with his first professional contract.
READ MORE: Mukesh Ambani 'statement' clarifies position on Liverpool and possible FSG sale
Ramsay has earned his first senior call-up to the Scotland squad for this month’s friendly against Turkey. Along with Doak, club legend Dalglish is impressed with what he’s seen from the Liverpool duo.
Dalglish has explained why the future is bright for both Scotland and Liverpool with Ramsay and Doak getting senior minutes under their belt.
“The absence of the likes of Callum McGregor will give the Scotland manager an opportunity to assess other players closely,” Dalgish told the Sunday Post.
“That should be viewed as a positive, and it’s a chance for someone to maybe emerge from the shadows. For example, Anthony Ralston not being available has opened the door for Calvin Ramsay to be selected.
“Calvin played for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup win against Derby County last midweek. He had an injury when he signed from Aberdeen in the summer, and everybody has had to be patient.
“But there has never been any doubt about his talent, and Calvin has made a positive impression on everyone at Anfield. He now gives Steve [Clarke] another excellent option at right-back.
“Steve would have been delighted to see Calvin play for Liverpool the other night. And I’m sure Jurgen Klopp will be happy if Calvin gets game-time under his belt in Turkey in midweek.
Dalglish added: “Jurgen was also delighted with Ben Doak’s debut for Liverpool. He came on as a sub and made a really good contribution.
“Ben was signed from Celtic in the summer and turned 17 a few days ago. Remember, he is also Scottish.
“He is an exciting prospect, and has performed very well in the Champions League at youth level in the past couple of months.
“So both Calvin and Ben haven’t done themselves any harm whatsoever. And what a thrill it must have been for both of them to play in front of a full house at Anfield, knowing that every Liverpool supporter was willing them on.
“The more young Scots we have playing at a high level, the better. That’s great for Steve and great for Scotland.”
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp faces Luis Diaz decision as Liverpool prepare for major absences
- Darwin Nunez 'can't understand' Liverpool team-mate who has played crucial role in his success
- Mukesh Ambani Liverpool 'approach', FSG offers and the other names who may be interested in takeover
- 'So difficult' - Gabriel Martinelli opens up on Liverpool player he struggles against
- Pundit spots Darwin Nunez change that means Liverpool can unleash 'nightmare' for other teams
