Australian international Brad Smith made an instant impression on his first outing with the Liverpool first team since December 2013.
Smith, who represented England at U21 level, confirmed his allegiance to the Socceroos last summer and his substitute appearance in last night’s Capital One Cup victory will have certainly caught the eye back home.
Introduced as a 77th-minute substitute for Alberto Moreno, Smith wasted no time in getting into the action. On 86 minutes he whipped over a pinpoint left-wing cross for Belgian striker Divock Origi to nod home Liverpool’s final goal in their 6-1 demolition of Southampton.
The result puts the Reds into the semi-final, where they face Stoke City, and the result sets a clear marker that Jurgen Klopp’s team are keen to win the trophy in Spring 2016.
Smith, who played half an hour for Liverpool U21s on Monday, will be hoping for a greater slice of first-team action, and with injury problems for both Joe Gomez and Jose Enrique, he could have a chance.
If Smith does find game time limited on Merseyside this season, he could opt for a loan move away from Anfield.
The Penrith-born youngster enjoyed a loan spell at Swindon Town last season, and Liverpool are keen on young players gaining experience before exposing them to first-team action in the Premier League.