Liverpool Under-23s boss issues big hint of first-team rise for star duo

Liverpool coach Barry Lewtas

Liverpool Under-23s boss Barry Lewtas has offered a hint about two rising star talents making a first-team appearance against Norwich on Tuesday.

The Reds travel to Carrow Road for the second time this season, this time in the Carabao Cup. While Mohamed Salah got himself among the goals in August’s Premier League opener, he could enjoy a rest.

In fact, several of Liverpool’s senior stars will likely sit out a portion, if not all, of the game.

They have had a busy week, starring in 3-0 wins over Leeds and Crystal Palace. What’s more, they played in the 3-2 Champions League win over AC Milan.

As such, the Carabao Cup tie could hand a chance for some of Liverpool’s younger stars. On Sunday, attacker Kaide Gordon and versatile right-back Conor Bradley were not in the squad.

Asked after the 4-0 defeat to Leeds Under-23s about the duo featuring against Norwich, Lewtas jokingly said (via This is Anfield) to “ask the manager about that one”.

He then added “no comment”. Gordon has played twice for Liverpool’s Under-23s this term, netting on both occasions. Bradley has also played twice, at right-back, amid his ability to play as a midfielder.

Tyler Morton may also get an appearance for the first team against Norwich. He only played 45 minutes against Leeds.

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Gordon enjoyed a strong pre-season in and around Liverpool’s senior crop. He played 120 minutes across three matches.

Bradley, meanwhile, played 11 minutes of a 3-1 win over Osasuna.

However, the Under-23s have not had the best start to the season. A 3-1 win over Everton is their only victory in five games so far in Premier League 2.

Still, Leeds fielded first-team defender Pascal Struijk, who is serving a three-match ban at senior level for his challenge on Harvey Elliott. They also had Adam Forshaw, who is continuing his return from injury.

Lewtas excited for Liverpool’s Gordon

Liverpool forward Kaide Gordon

Speaking about 16-year-old forward Gordon, Lewtas added: “I think he’s done well. I think whenever anyone’s thrust into the limelight with the first team it can be accelerated, and everyone wants to know a little bit more about him.

“But he is still a young boy. He’s still got lots of parts of his game that we think he can get better, which is really exciting because his game is good.

“He’s a really good kid. He’s only young, only 16. But I don’t think he plays like that, especially when he’s in possession of the ball.

“So he’s having a real great experience at the minute. He’s in a good place.”

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