OJO’S MOJO
Klopp challenges record goal kid to hit big time
SHEYI OJO became Liverpool’s youngest FA Cup scorer — then Jurgen Klopp challenged him to become a Premier League hit.
At the age of 18 years and 215 days, Ojo slammed home the second goal in a 3-0 thirdround replay win over Exeter City, beating the record set by midfielder John McLaughlin in 1971 against Aldershot by 91 days.
On a night when Tottenham also went through with a 2-0 win at Leicester, Joe Allen and Joao Teixeira were Liverpool’s other scorers.
Ojo was one of four Liverpool players to be handed Anfield debuts by manager Klopp, who wants further time to see whether the youngsters can step up regularly. ‘The target at the end of the road is playing for Liverpool in the Premier League,’ said Klopp. ‘For this you have to be ready in all parts of development. It was
the first sign of him. It’s good. He is very young. Not 20 interviews next week, not man-of-the-match things. Leave the guys as they are. It’s not protecting them, but give the lads time to develop. ‘Everybody who has seen him play can see what big skills he has, but there are a lot of things he has to work on. I’m happy to have him here.’ Ojo, who has benefited from loan spells at Wigan and Wolves, was recalled to make his Liverpool bow in the draw against Newcastle at St James’ Park last month. The winger showed that there could be more to come, along with fellow wide man Teixeira, who scored the third goal in front of The Kop. Klopp believes both players have great potential but are still learning. He said: ‘The last game Ojo came in and was important for the draw. He’s on a good way but it’s a long way for the boys. They showed they are already able to do it but showed what they have to learn. Everybody stay cool. ‘I like Joao. He is a really nice guy. Players like him need matches. You can’t be a substitute for three or four years at the age of 23. I would like to work with him longer. It’s only four months and I see big jumps in his development. ‘Joao deserved the goal. He worked hard and was defensively strong. We are always in talks and have to see what he wants. Sometimes you have to leave and I’m not sure that’s the situation for Joao.’ Full back Jon Flanagan made his long-awaited return after two knee operations, with Anfield erupting when he replaced Connor Randall with 39 minutes left. Flanagan had not played since the final day of the 2013-14 season. Klopp said: ‘It was a really emotional moment with the whole stadium up. Nobody deserved it more than him. It was such an unbelievably long time. Since I’ve been here he’s always been injured but never in a bad mood.’