One of the highlights of Liverpool's summer pre-season preparations was the emergence of 16-year-old winger Kaide Gordon, signed from Derby County last January.
But Liverpool bosses have a carefully prepared plan mapped out for the youngster as he continues his progression in Kirkby, with the Reds keen to see him develop without unnecessary pressure.
"He’s a brilliant footballer and he’s a nice young man," U18s boss Marc Bridge-Wilkinson told the ECHO.
"At the minute he is with the first team and hopefully as things carry on, who knows what might happen. If and when he comes back to us [at U18 level], we will look after him just the same and keep working on his game."
Gordon has impressed Liverpool coaching staff this summer and also caught the eye in an intra-squad friendly in the March international break, and scored for the Reds in a behind-closed-doors game against Aston Villa this weekend.
READ MORE: What happened in behind-closed-doors Liverpool friendly as Kaide Gordon makes mark
The priority was given for Gordon to play in that match rather than for either the U18s (vs Stoke City) or U23s (versus Man City), as it was for others like Jake Cain and Owen Beck.
But the plan moving forward will see Gordon turn out for both age groups as he progresses.
"There is obviously a plan for him," U23s manager Barry Lewtas explained.
"In terms of him being young, it is hard when lads break in [to the senior team] and people get excited, and rightly so.
"But he is a young boy at the moment. He came and watched the U18s yesterday and he pops backwards and forwards.
"That is the beauty of being in the same building; the plan is really clear, and staff are working together. It is an exciting time for him and let’s see where it goes."
At 16, there is plenty of time for Gordon to continue to develop, and he is not ready yet for a spell on loan. He only made his Liverpool debut at U23 level on the final day of the last campaign, scoring off the bench against Leicester.
Not 17 until October, Gordon cannot sign professional terms with the club until then, despite having already made a competitive senior appearance for Derby under Wayne Rooney.
But while there is much excitement at Anfield around Gordon's future, the immediate next steps are clear: continue to develop in academy football, while taking opportunities to train with the seniors as and when they arise.
You can hear the interviews with Barry Lewtas and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson in full on a special podcast exclusively for members of the Blood Red Club. Sign up for free at: BloodRedPodcast.co.uk
