Liverpool’s summer signing Will Wright scored his first goal as he started in a 4-0 thrashing of Nigerian side One Touch FC to round off the U21s’ pre-season.
Wright has enjoyed a dream start to life at Liverpool, coming off the bench for the first team hours after his move from Salford City was announced.
The 17-year-old is set to start the season as part of the U21s, however, and made his third appearance for the young Reds in their final friendly of pre-season on Thursday.
A 45-minute outing brought a first goal for the club, breaking the deadlock after being found the box by Trent Kone-Doherty.
Calvin Ramsay made it 2-0 before the break, with the right-back spending the warmup schedule with the U21s as he searches for a move away – likely taking him back to Scotland on a permanent basis.
Head coach Rob Page then made nine changes for the second half, with goalkeeper Bailey Hall and the fit-again James McConnell the only players retained.
One of those brought on, Kaide Gordon, continued an outstanding run of form through pre-season as he fired in to make it 3-0 just three minutes after the restart.
McConnell then carved upon the One Touch FC defence to find Gordon in a move that ensured Liverpool’s fourth, with midfielder Fola Onanuga eventually finishing after Keyrol Figueroa’s effort was saved.
It was a valuable bonus run-out for Liverpool as they build up to their Premier League 2 opener away to Leicester on Monday night.
Liverpool U21s: Hall; Ramsay (Pitt 46′), Nallo (Airoboma 46′), Pinnington (Lucky 46′), Miles (Davidson 46′); McConnell (Trueman 60′), Pilling (Onanuga 46′), Laffey (Morrison 46′); Kone-Doherty (Ahmed 46′), Koumas (Figueroa 46′), Wright (Gordon 46′)
Who was absent for Liverpool U21s?
There were a number of players notable in their absence, with Jayden Danns the most prominent as speculation continues over a loan move.
Rhys Williams, who is now 24, has been a regular for the U21s throughout pre-season but was also not involved, which was also the case for 21-year-olds James Balagizi and Oakley Cannonier who are seeking new clubs.
Left-backs Luke Chambers, Calum Scanlon and Clae Ewing all missed out again due to long-term injuries, while goalkeeper Armin Pecsi was with the first team.
Midfielder Kyle Kelly is yet to feature for the U21s in pre-season but is understood to have signed a new contract after his previous terms expired on July 1.