Liverpool set to reward wonderkid Ben Woodburn with new long-term contract after starring for Wales

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Ben Woodburn's outstanding progress is poised to be rewarded with Liverpool set to offer him a long-term contract when he turns 18.

It has been a remarkable few days for the teenager, whose efforts against Austria and Moldova have helped put Wales in contention for a World Cup place next summer.

Those efforts are symptomatic of the way the past 12 months have gone for Woodburn, who has become a flag-bearer for this generation of Liverpool Academy players; he became the youngest goalscorer in the club's history last November.

Ben Woodburn demonstrated his clear potential on international duty with Wales

The exciting prospect scored against Austria and provided an assist against Moldova

Liverpool gave Woodburn his first professional contract last October - the deal ran for three years - but those terms will be reviewed, improved and extended when he reaches his landmark birthday on October 15.

Jurgen Klopp has gone to great lengths not to talk up Woodburn and would prefer his development to go under the radar but there is no mistaking the esteem in which he holds the Chester-born midfielder.

When the news was confirmed that he signed a new deal last November, Klopp said: 'Wow, what a talent.'

Woodburn is in a similar position to Trent Alexander-Arnold, the exciting young right-back; who signed a new contract before the start of the season to recognise his development.

Securing Woodburn, who has been at Liverpool's Academy for a decade, would be another significant piece of business for the club, who have made a concerted effort to tie down the key members of their squad to new terms.

Liverpool have now made the first steps towards negotiating a new contract for the starlet

Woodburn came off the substitutes' bench in Moldova and made a significant impact again