Can Ben make it in the Prem...? No doubt

KOP DREAM: Davies can handle the challenge says Alex Neil (right)

PRESTON boss Alex Neil has no doubts Ben Davies has the potential to develop into a special player at Liverpool.

But the Scot knows it’s now up to the talented centre-back to prove himself after his shock deadline-day move to the Premier League champions.

“Ben’s got to earn it now because you don’t get handed anything for nothing in football,” said Neil.

“He’s earned his move, so now he’s got to earn his opportunity.

“When his chance comes he’s got to show everybody what he’s about – but that won’t faze Ben. He knows the hard work is only the beginning.

“Countless players have come through Championship level and gone on to become top Premier League players.

“I’ve worked with Ben Davies for a long time and, in my mind, he’s as good as any of them.

“For me he’s the best left-sided centre-back in the Championship this season – I don’t think there’s any doubts about that.

“His defending ability has improved a lot over the last few seasons and it’s very rare he makes mistakes. That wasn’t always the case.

“He was quite wiry to start with, but he’s filled out and his confidence has gone to a new level. He knows he is more than capable of defending at Championship level, especially the physicality.

“Premier League defenders need to have comfort on the ball, pace and be able to read the game. They are all Ben’s best attributes.”

Davies, 25, had been in talks with Celtic about a summer move when his contract expired in six months.

But Reds boss Jurgen Klopp swooped to sign him for an up-front payment of £500,000, that could rise to £1.1million in bonuses if he can make his mark at Anfield.

And Neil said: “You only have to look at the signings Liverpool have made – Andy Robertson, who they brought in when Hull got relegated, Georginio Wijnaldum when Newcastle got relegated and even Diogo Jota, who played in the Championship.

“For me they’re not too dissimilar an ilk of player to Ben when they brought them him.

“They’ve all turned out to be absolute superstars for Liverpool, so I don’t see any reason why Ben Davies can’t do that.”