Tuesday 25 October 2016 10:38, UK
Jurgen Klopp has saluted Danny Ings for his application as the striker tries to force his way into the Liverpool manager's first-team plans.
The former Burnley striker has been dogged by injury since his arrival at Anfield, missing most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury and playing less than 30 minutes so far this season.
Ings has been a regular scorer for Liverpool's U23 side and Klopp is set to utilise him in the EFL Cup fourth round clash with Tottenham on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old faces stiff competition for a place in Klopp's starting line-up but the German says Ings has remained positive and is in position to contribute if called upon.
"It's really good," Klopp said. "If I was being a little less sensitive I could say that is his job to do, but I am sensitive and I know it is not easy. He takes the situation in a perfect way, but it's all for him.
"He was a long time injured. He is fit now, everything is good and, with his attitude, all will be good in the end.
"At the moment his situation is not too easy - we have Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi, so there is not a lot of space - but he will be involved in the squad.
"It was a long-term injury, but now he is fit, he plays in the U23s, everything is good.
"You have to build a squad for different things to do and not just have a third or fourth striker on the bench. He has used the game time.
"As a manager, you have about 25 players so you cannot talk about the individual situation every day.
"I think we are completely clear about the way and the things he needs to do. He is a nice guy and a wonderful player. That's a sign of the strength of the squad. You can be a really good player and you cannot even be in the squad.
"That is really possible and a sign of the strength of Liverpool FC."
