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Danny Ings is the toast of Melwood after swimming the equivalent of the English Channel.

The Liverpool striker set himself the gruelling 21-mile challenge during his rehabilitation programme following knee surgery.

It has taken him four months, covering nearly 1,700 lengths in Melwood’s 20-metre pool. What makes the achievement even more impressive is that he’s only been able to use his upper body.

Jurgen Klopp has been blown away by the England international’s attitude since he suffered ligament damage to his right knee in the EFL Cup tie against Tottenham at Anfield last October.

It was a crushing blow for Ings who has been restricted to just 11 appearances for the Reds since signing from Burnley in July 2015. He also missed most of the 2015/16 campaign after tearing the ACL in his left knee.

However, his immense commitment and dedication to his rehab has earned him the respect of staff and team-mates alike.

Ings has had regular checks with surgeon Andy Williams and the ECHO understands that the news has been overwhelmingly positive. He was given the green light earlier this month to step up his rehab and has started jogging outside again.

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There is no date pencilled in for his return to the first-team squad with Klopp determined to ensure the 24-year-old isn’t rushed back.

However, Ings is ahead of schedule and the progress he’s achieved has made the prospect of him being ready for the early stages of pre-season a possibility. Klopp is planning for next season with Ings on board.