Jurgen Klopp compares FA Cup heroes to darts sensation Luke Litter

Jurgen Klopp compared the teenage stars who helped Liverpool beat Southampton to darts star Luke Littler, while asking for patience with their development.

Forwards Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns (2) scored their first senior goals for the club as Liverpool won 3-0 at Anfield in the FA Cup fifth round clash on Wednesday night.

Amid an injury crisis in the first-team, Klopp turned to the academy once again, with six teenagers making appearances against the Championship opposition.

18-year-old Koumas opened the scoring before half-time after an assist from 19-year-old Bobby Clark, while Jayden Danns (also 18) came off the bench to net a well-taken brace in the second half.

Meanwhile, Klopp also gave a first-team debut to 16-year-old Trey Nyoni.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the manager hailed the impressive young stars, using the comparison of 17-year-old darts champion Littler, but asked for them to be allowed to develop out of the spotlight.

“It is a little bit like the new darts sensation [Littler], it is fine for tonight,” Klopp said. “Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner.

“Don't ask 'Where are they now? Where are they now? Where are they now?'

“They have a lot to improve a lot to learn. Everybody who is with us should now just make sure they will have their moments, and with our squad situation they will have more moments than they ever would have expected.”

Klopp, who also called the youngsters 'exceptional talents', went on to plead with fans not to 'forget' the academy products in the summer.

He continued: “I've said it a couple of times, the future doesn't look that bad, so maybe don't forget it in the moment when the transfer window opens. We have a couple of pretty promising players already. Don't close the door for them.”

Speaking after the game, double scorer Danns revealed just what the night meant to him.

“Honestly, it’s a dream come true,” he said. “I have supported the club since birth so to come on and score at the Kop end, it’s unreal. It doesn’t feel real to me. I don’t think I’ll sleep tonight.”