Liverpool’s under-21 side have gone from strength to strength this season, with youth development clearly being as important to new head coach Arne Slot as it was to Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool’s reserves sit fourth in the Premier League 2 table with six wins from eight matches. This is led primarily by Trey Nyoni and Tyler Morton, who are splitting their time between the youth team and the men’s senior squad.

Notable in their absences from the side, however, are Ben Doak, Owen Beck and Lewis Koumas. All mainstays in the reserve squad last year, they are now plying their trade on loan in the Championship.

Also meant to be going out on loan in the most recent transfer window was James McConnell, but an unfortunate ankle injury meant that the player had to stay on Merseyside to undergo treatment.

As a result, the youngster has yet to be involved in a matchday squad this season.

McConnell shared an update on his status via Instagram Stories yesterday, captioning an image of him playing against Luton last season “Soon back”.

It is a positive update for the 20-year-old, who was showing so much promise for the Reds last season.