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Ben Woodburn is giving Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a headache. And seemingly every time the youngster steps on to the pitch, it only becomes worse.

Here's what Klopp said after handing Woodburn his Premier League debut for the final few minutes in the win against Sunderland last November.

“At that moment I thought it was a good idea, he deserved it and I thought ‘Come on, let’s go’,” said the Reds boss.

“It was only after the game that I remembered it’s now really difficult to keep him back again, not for Ben or for me, but for the public.”

Once word was out, there was no going back. Not least when, three days later, Woodburn came off the bench against Leeds United in the League Cup and became Liverpool's youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years and 45 days old

“I’m really happy for him but the problem is I’m also a little bit afraid,” admitted Klopp afterwards.

“So quiet please. Only write ‘goalscorer Ben Woodburn’. That’s quite a challenge!”

Nobody was only writing 'goalscorer Ben Woodburn' after the teenager's exploits on Saturday evening, his blistering strike mere minutes into his first senior Wales appearance earning his country a precious World Cup qualifying win over Austria in Cardiff.

A wonder goal, yes. But that isn't the whole story.

“It wasn't just about his goal,” said former Liverpool and Wales striker Craig Bellamy.

“Look at his all-round performance having come on. Look at his composure. And he's only 17!”

Small wonder one senior Academy official at Liverpool has long touted Woodburn as having the potential to play hundreds of games for the club.

Liverpool followers, and those of Wales, have known about Woodburn for some time.

But if Klopp was hoping to keep the youngster under wraps, such attempts are likely to be futile.

Managing expectations as much as the player himself is likely to be the priority of the Reds boss over the coming months.

Woodburn posted a reminder of his promise with a thumping strike in Liverpool's friendly win against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin last month, having earlier in pre-season nonchalantly won and then converted a penalty in the triumph at Tranmere Rovers.

While the Welshman made nine appearances last season – including one Premier League start at Stoke City and three in the FA Cup – he has yet to even make the bench this campaign.

That, though, is likely to change this month with Liverpool beginning their Champions League group and entering the League Cup at Leicester City.

Woodburn originally broke through as a forward but subsequent appearances in midfield and on the flank point to a versatility that will provide greater first-team opportunities this term.

But with even Baywatch star David Hasselhoff moved to comment on the teenager's exploits, there can be doubt.

The secret is truly out of the bag. It's one battle Klopp cannot win.

And he and Liverpool won't mind a bit.