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Liverpool youngster Ovie Ejaria is starting to realise his huge potential, according to Academy coach Michael Beale.

The 18-year-old midfielder showcased the progress he’s made in 2016 with some eye-catching performances for the first team in this summer’s pre-season friendlies.

A groin injury suffered on the tour of America ruled him out for a month but Ejaria is now back fit and shone for the under-23s on his comeback in their 3-1 win over Arsenal last Friday.

Beale’s relationship with the 18-year-old goes back over a decade and he wasn’t surprised by the plaudits the teenager received after stepping up to the senior ranks.

“I used to drive Ovie to training for his Sunday League team when he was six or seven years old,” Beale told the ECHO.

“We used to live in the same area in south London and he would come into the development centre when I worked at Chelsea. We always kept in contact down the years.

“Even at that age you could see what unbelievable technical ability he had. Now he’s starting to show that and I’m so pleased for him.

“We had to wait for his body to grow but now everyone is seeing what we can do. This summer he opened everyone’s eyes to his potential.”

Victory at the Emirates was especially sweet for Ejaria, who was released by the Gunners two years ago before accepting the opportunity to join Liverpool. He showed the Londoners what they’re missing as he excelled in an advanced central midfield role.

“It was a big night for Ovie going back to the club he spent a lot of time at to play against his friends,” Beale added.

“He showed just how far he has progressed. I said to him afterwards that our manager gives you real hope. Some of his friends maybe don’t have the same pathway as he does.

“It was a fantastic move for him to come to Liverpool. It wasn’t easy for a young boy leaving his family but wow he’s done well.

“He always had talent but now we’re seeing tackles and real aggression in his game. Let’s keep our feet on the floor and see how much work we can do behind the scenes to get him into our first team.”