Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers hails impressive young trio

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the efforts of youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo following their performances in the 2-1 preseason win over Swindon Town.

The trio all got an opportunity to show the Reds boss what they can do at the County Ground on Sunday 2 August, with 16-year-old Alexander-Arnold getting the nod from the start at right-back.

Post-match, Rodgers revealed that the teenager has been "in his mind" for some time after impressing in a behind-closed-doors practice match, and he certainly didn't let the side down on the trip to Wiltshire.

"It's what the club is about – giving young players a chance. Sometimes with young players, you don't know until you put them in," Rodgers told the official Liverpool website.

"Trent impressed me last year; he came up as a schoolboy and played in a practice match and did very well.

"I always had that in the back of my mind and when we needed someone to bring in, it was good for him to get the chance."

Alexander-Arnold enjoyed 57 minutes of action before being replaced by Dan Cleary, while 18-year-olds Ojo and Kent were introduced as substitutes midway through the second-half.

Ojo, an England youth international, took his opportunity with an 87<sup>th minute winner for the Reds. The winger, who also had a goal disallowed, showed good control in attack before firing past keeper Lawrence Vigouroux. The Robins' stopper got a good hand to the effort, but couldn't keep it out.

Kent, meanwhile, replaced Roberto Firmino and again showed glimpses of what could be a very bright future at Anfield. The youngster has taken his chances with the first team this summer and will be hoping for competitive action on Merseyside later in the year if he doesn't leave on loan.

"Young Sheyi scored a goal and was a threat. Ryan Kent was bright when he came on and showed his pace and quality. The young players coped well."

Whilst Alexander-Arnold was involved with the first team, he still has some way to go before his name is seen on a regular basis under Rodgers. Summer signing Nathaniel Clyne is the first choice right-back, whilst Joe Gomez can also play in the position. Youngster Andre Wisdom has left to join Norwich on loan.

Ojo is being linked with a loan move to Wolves, whilst newly-promoted MK Dons are reportedly keen on a short-term deal for Kent.