Saturday 29 April 2017 12:20, UK
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster has made "outstanding steps" this season but may have to wait until next term for his Premier League debut.
The 17-year-old academy striker could have become the first player born in the year 2000 to play in the Premier League last weekend after being named in the squad against Crystal Palace when injury to Daniel Sturridge left the Reds short of attacking options but did not get on in the 2-1 loss.
With Sturridge back in training, his chances of being included for the Monday Night Football visit to Watford have reduced, while he has also been named in the England squad for the European U17 Championships, which means it is likely he will not be around for the end of Liverpool's campaign.
Brewster only made his first start for Liverpool's U18s this campaign and was then promoted to the U23s in January and has earned glowing praise from manager Klopp.
"Rhian made outstanding steps in the last few months," said Klopp. "The Talent Group [the academy's most promising youngsters] are training one time a week here at Melwood with [first-team coach] Pep Lijnders and I can see them then.
"I've known him for probably more than a year and how it is with boys at his age, they grow and that's good. He is physically stronger, a wonderfully skilled boy, real striker, good finisher, and fantastic work ethic.
"But, if all players are fit in the squad, then he will not be in the squad in the moment, of course not, why should he? He's 17 years old now and already plays U23s, that's a wonderful step for him [and] the next step in his development.
"He was on the bench last week because we thought he deserved it and we could use him at the right moment. The game was not for this but it doesn't mean that it will not happen in the future. He's on a very good way, honestly, a very, very good boy."
Brewster's involvement last weekend was a surprise to many, not least the youngster himself. Klopp was more relaxed about the teenager's presence - even when he discovered he did not possess the necessary kit for a Premier League game.
"I said to him that he was in the squad and did he have everything he needed and he said 'I have a washbag but I don't have a suit'. No problem - I don't like the suit too much," added Klopp.
"He has a lot of respect in the squad, nobody thought 'who is this?'. They know him because he is an 'ugly' opponent; a difficult-to-play opponent in training sessions. I am sure it was nice for him."
