Liverpool U19's settled for a goalless draw against AC Milan in the UEFA Youth League as an 'incredible' youngster made his return to the side.
Barry Lewtas’ side, captained by Trey Nyoni, secured a point mostly thanks to 17-year-old goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, who made several excellent saves to prevent the hosts from winning after a dominant second-half display from the Italians following an uneventful first-half.
Kieran Morrison went closest for Liverpool 20 minutes into the game as he shifted the ball onto his right foot and struck an effort marginally over from a difficult angle.
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One of the main positives for the young Reds however, was that Trent Kone-Doherty made his first start for Liverpool after returning from an injury that sidelined him for several months.
The return of the young Irishman isn't just a huge boost for Barry Lewtas, with Arne Slot also understood to have been keeping a close eye on the winger.
There are fewer academy players involved in the first-team set-up since Slot's arrival, but the Dutchman is still keen to integrate youngsters into the senior fold.
Arne Slot an admirer of 'incredible' Trent Kone-Doherty
In the build-up to Liverpool's victory at Old Trafford against arch-rivals Manchester United, a number of U21's trained alongside the senior squad with a strong feeling that the youngsters are being watched closely by the senior management and a lot of this is believed to be down to Aaron Briggs, Liverpool's first-team individual development coach.
Kone-Doherty was amongst the players in training as he continued his return to match action.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his professional debut for Liverpool despite having featured in the Reds' first-team training often during Jurgen Klopp's tenure.
Previously, his former Derry City U19s manager Gerard Boyle described him as someone with 'incredible pace' to the Liverpool ECHO.
Trent Kone-Doherty goal vs Manchester City at the weekend, set-up by Lewis Koumas. pic.twitter.com/wdf0nHwH63
— Lewis Bower (@LewisBower2021) March 18, 2024
The winger will be hoping he has left all injuries behind him as he resumes his surge towards breaking through into an already star-studded attacking force at Slot's disposal.
With the likes of Lewis Koumas and Ben Doak being loaned out and Harvey Blair completing a permanent move to Portsmouth, this could be the ideal opportunity for Kone-Doherty to prove his worth.