Roy Keane was glad to see "cocky" Curtis Jones start for Liverpool in their crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City.
The youngster has been handed plenty more game time this season due to the injury crisis at the back.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have been forced to fill in at the back.
It means extra space in the middle of the park and Jones has stepped up.
Speaking on Sky Sports prior to kick-off, Keane said he was pleased to see Jones get his start and revealed what he's heard about the youngster.
"In any big game, the middle of the game is huge - obviously will have a big say in who wins the game of football," he said.
"I'm glad to see him in there, every time I've seen him he looks comfortable in there, looks confident. From what I hear he's a pretty cocky kid, takes on instructions pretty quickly - sign of a decent player.
"He's at the club for the reason because Klopp likes him, trusts him and it's a great boost of confidence for the manager to throw him in this game.
"There's only one way to find out about these lads if they're to survive at Liverpool a long time - how they do in these big games.
"I like the look of him."
Jones lasted just over an hour in the fixture, coming off for James Milner with the scoreline at 1-1.
