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Jurgen Klopp says he was “surprised” that Chris Coleman didn’t bother phoning him prior to naming Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn in the senior Wales squad.

The Reds boss, who has been keen to shield the gifted teenager from the spotlight, only learned about Woodburn’s inclusion when his maiden call-up was made public last week.

The 17-year-old attacker, who was an unused substitute at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, had previously been part of Wales’ Under-19s set-up, but was elevated to the senior ranks by Coleman after just seven first-team appearances for Liverpool.

Asked if he had spoken to Coleman about Woodburn, Klopp said: “Actually, I was surprised about this.

“I don’t know exactly how it’s normal here. This should not be a criticism, but usually when you call up a player, a 17-year-old player, I thought it would be possible to call me.

“I’m not sure if he knows him well. He didn’t play in the team so far for Coleman I think. But no call.”

Woodburn has linked up with Coleman’s squad to begin preparations for this Friday’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Klopp would have preferred that Woodburn was given more time to develop at club level and he’s now relying on Coleman to look after the youngest goal scorer in Liverpool’s history.

“If he stopped learning now, that would make no sense at 17,” Klopp added.

“I’m not in doubt about this. We didn’t hide him. We used him all the time. He’s a fixed part of our training. He can deal with the nomination for Wales 100%.

“It’s a little bit like my situation. As long as you give me the time, as long as we give him the time, everything will be good.

“He has to learn, he has to develop, he has to improve, all of this. That’s why I said there are now two managers responsible for him. Until now, it was only my job.”

The Football Association had hoped to convince Chester-born Woodburn to switch allegiances to England, but he’s opted to remain loyal to the country he’s represented at youth level since he was 13.

Coleman remains adamant that he picked Woodburn on merit for the senior squad rather than as a result of the speculation about his international future so he had no need to call Klopp.

“I make my own mind up about a player,” Coleman said.

“I understand when you pick young players then clubs go: ‘Oh, calm down’, but I make my own mind up.

“No matter how old he is, if he is good enough and I think he has something to offer us and can help us in this challenge then I am going to pick him. That’s no disrespect to Jurgen or anybody else who say maybe he’s not.

“He belongs to them but I’ve got a job to do for Wales and I have to pick my strongest squad. At the minute from what I have seen he belongs in our strongest 23. That’s why he is there.”