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Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool’s young guns will still get opportunities to shine this season as he insisted: “I trust them.”

The Reds’ lighter schedule due to the absence of European football means it’s more difficult for Academy youngsters to make the breakthrough this season with less rotation in the senior ranks.

However, Klopp believes their time will come with Ovie Ejaria likely to be the next rookie to make his debut. The 18-year-old midfielder was an unused substitute against Chelsea last Friday and could feature in the EFL Cup tie at Derby County on Tuesday night.

Klopp was at Prenton Park recently to watch former Arsenal trainee Ejaria shine in Liverpool Under-23s’ 4-0 rout of Leicester City.

“It was great to see,” Klopp said.

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“The youngsters are all in a good way. It’s our job is to give them the prospect for a decent career.

“We can’t say as a club we only want to use the brilliant ones. Who decides when development stops?

“I was really happy with that game and that I had the opportunity to watch it. It won’t be the last one I watch.

“What does it mean in terms of a breakthrough this year? There will be a moment when they can play. If I need them absolutely no problem. I trust them.

“The question is do we really need them now or can we give them time to develop?

“There is no rush for these young guys. We don’t feel rushed so they don’t have to feel rushed. They can stay patient. I know they are really ambitious and that’s good.”

Klopp handed debuts to the likes of Ryan Kent, Joe Maguire, Danny Ward, Connor Randall, Sheyi Ojo and Kevin Stewart last season, while Cameron Brannagan and Pedro Chirivella also enhanced their reputations.

As well as Ejaria, this summer has seen Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold impress when they have been involved with the first-team squad at Melwood. Klopp is excited about the talent coming through.

“Watching that under-23s game, it was really close to what I was thinking about when we first spoke about what the second-team squad should be like,” Klopp added.

“Ingsy was involved and it’s good to give players like him practise time.

“Tiago Ilori is an outstanding player for that level and he’s someone who is doing really well. The staff are all full of praise about his attitude which is good.

“The midfield was wonderful - Kevin Stewart, Pedro Chirivella and Ovie. The offensive line was great - Harry Wilson, Ben Woodburn and Ingsy.

“Connor Randall played left-back, Trent right-back. It was absolutely great to see how these boys have developed.”