Young Reds hoping to give home side the blues at the Liberty
HAVING succumbed to Leicester at the weekend, it’s not about to get any easier for Swansea City as they get set to take on Liverpool on Sunday.
It seems there is every chance it won’t be the regular Reds lining up if recent weeks are anything to go by. Liverpool are in Europa League action against Villarreal before and after their Liberty trip, meaning Klopp could be tempted to field a number of youngsters as he did in the game with Bournemouth.
Here, looks some of the youngsters you might not have heard of but who Swansea could have to face this weekend. DANNY WARD (Pos: Goalkeeper, Age: 22) Wrexham lad who broke through at his hometown team before securing a £100,000 move to Anfield from non-league in 2012, appearing in a matchday squad for the first time in the Swans’ League Cup win later than year.
Had a short spell on loan at Morecambe but really began to make his mark with a six-month stint at Aberdeen earlier this season where he kept 13 clean sheets before being recalled to serve as No.2 to Simon Mignolet.
Has been part of Chris Coleman’s Wales squad for the past two years, winning his debut in the recent Euro 2016 warm-up with Northern Ireland and looks set to be assured of his place on the plane for France. CONNOR RANDALL (Right-back, 20) Scouse academy product who has been with his boyhood club from the age of six and was their Under-18s captain before becoming an Under-21 regular for the past three years.
Named in Europa League squads earlier this season before making his senior bow against Bournemouth in the League Cup, as well as the stunning 6-1 win over Southampton. Another to make his Premier League debut in this month’s league clash with the Cherries, he kept his place for last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle but saw Papiss Cisse rise above him to score the Toon’s first. BRAD SMITH (Left-back, 22) Left-back whose Liverpool career looked over earlier this season when he left the club in a contract dispute, only to re-sign in October from which he has provided cover for first-choice Alberto Moreno ever since.
Australian who signed for the club as a 14-year-old and has since gone on to earn international recognition with the Socceroos, making eight Reds appearances this year with his first Premier League start coming at Bournemouth.
He has a fan in Harry Redknapp who coached against Australia and the explosively-paced Smith in his recent spell with Jordan, saying: “I think he is going to be a big player for Liverpool in the future.” KEVIN STEWART (Centre-midfield, 22) Londoner who joined Liverpool from Spurs as a 20-year-old. Started the season at Swindon only to see him return to Merseyside after suffering knee medial ligament damage against Newport early in the campaign.
Recovered from injury to make his Reds debut against Exeter in the FA Cup and then earned a first Premier League appearance when replacing Philippe Coutinho in the 6-0 rout over Aston Villa in February, signing a new contract shortly after.
Has appeared regularly in recent weeks, starting three of the last four league games. SHEYI OJO (Winger,18) A MK Dons youth graduate, joined Liverpool ahead of a string of other suitors for a fee reported to be around £2m.
Had signed a season-long loan with Wolves in August, scoring three times for Kenny Jackett’s side, before being recalled and given his competitive debut in the FA Cup clash at Exeter where he immediately caught the eye.
Liverpool have high hopes for the powerful winger who has now made four Premier League appearances including a delightful assist for Daniel Sturridge in the win over Stoke, providing a cross Klopp described as brilliant.
“He’s got a calm demeanour. I am so excited about him,” said pundit Ian Wright.