Caoimhin Kelleher made his long-awaited return from injury as Liverpool were held to a Premier League 2 draw by Arsenal.
Kelleher, who has been sidelined since aggravating a problem during the first week of pre-season in early July, came through the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 stalemate at the Academy at Kirkby on Saturday afternoon.
Harvey Blair equalised 19 minutes from time after the Gunners had gone ahead before the break, with Luke Chambers then missing a penalty for Barry Lewtas' side.
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Liverpool, with Stefan Bajcetic and Bobby Clark in a strong starting line-up, began well but Arsenal grew into the game and, three minutes from the break, a failure to properly deal with a corner allowed Joel Ideho to put the visitors ahead. Kelleher then made a fine save to deny Amario Cozier-Duberry and prevent Liverpool going further behind before the interval.
The Reds, while not at their best, remained in contention and drew level on 71 minutes when good work from Layton Stewart saw him move away from one defender and lay the ball off to Blair, who smashed home into the bottom corner.
But Liverpool spurned a chance to win the game eight minutes later when, after substitute Mateusz Musialowski was felled inside the area, Chambers saw his spot kick well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk.
Liverpool are next in Premier League 2 action on Saturday when they entertain Wolverhampton Wanderers (kick-off 2pm).
LIVERPOOL U21s (4-3-3) : Kelleher; Mabaya, Jonas, Chambers, Norris; Bajcetic, Stephenson, Clark (Corness 62); Frauendorf, Stewart, Blair (Musialowski 74). Subs: Kelly, Spearing, Cannonier. BOOKINGS: Norris, Blair and Stewart.
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