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Kevin Stewart vowed to keep repaying Jurgen Klopp's faith in him after he shone in Liverpool's 4-1 rout of Stoke City at Anfield.

The 22-year-old midfielder impressed after being handed his full Premier League debut against the Potters.

It was Stewart's comeback for the first-team – some two months after he suffered ankle ligament damage in training.

“It was great to play the full 90 after coming back from injury and to be part of such a good team performance,” Stewart told the ECHO.

“To get those minutes under my belt will really help me. It was my first Premier League start and hopefully I can get a few more and stay injury free.

“There were a few mistakes in there which I'll need to learn from but overall I think it went well.

"I tired a bit towards the end but that was down to not having played much recently. I'll get that fitness back.

“The manager told me to keep things simple - to be aggressive, to be confident and to defend well.

“He takes the pressure off players and gives you the belief to go out there and perform. I do get nervous but I think a few nerves keeps me aware and on my toes.

“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and that gives me confidence. I need to keep improving and listening to him.”

It's been a breakthrough season for Stewart, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Tottenham in 2014.

Having started the campaign on loan at Swindon, he was sidelined for four months by a knee injury.

On his return to fitness, Klopp opted to terminate his loan and handed him a first-team debut in the FA Cup against Exeter City in January.

Stewart went on to make four appearances in the competition before coming off the bench in the 6-0 league rout of Aston Villa.

His rapid progress was halted by a training ground injury in February but during his absence he penned a new contract keeping him at Anfield until 2020.

"It was frustrating being out again because things were going well for me," he added.

"I tore a ligament in my ankle when I blocked a pass in training.

"I just focused on working hard to get back fit as soon as possible and I was back quicker than expected.

"My goal was to get back in the squad towards the end of the season. I got involved today and it's really pleasing.

"Now the challenge is to stay around the squad and try to get more minutes.

"I have to be ready if I'm called up again. I have to keep impressing the manager."