Danny Ings scores FOUR for Liverpool’s Under-23s as he pushes for first-team return
Ex-Burnley striker also got two assists in the 7-0 win over Bristol City as he nears full fitness following knee woe
DANNY INGS bagged four goals and two assists in a 7-0 win for Liverpool Under-23s as the injury-hit striker chases a long-awaited first-team return.
The former Burnley star, 25, capped once by England, has battled back this season from two serious knee injuries.
But Sunday's Premier League Cup romp against Bristol City at Chester was the first time Ings has truly looked the part.
He had previously netted just once in nine games this term for the Reds' U-23s.
But he rattled home a hat-trick within the first 21 minutes against the young Robins- including a rifled opener inside 60 seconds.
Ings completed his foursome after the break and twice was also a stylish provider as the Reds dictated.
Now, though, Ings must battle with big-name players like Daniel Sturridge for even just a place on the first-team bench.
Nonetheless, his task might be slightly easier than the challenge facing team-mate Jon Flanagan.
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The 24-year-old - who, like Ings, has a single England cap - made his third U-23 appearance for Liverpool this term in the cruise against City.
But Flanagan has slipped to Jurgen Klopp's FOURTH-CHOICE right-back.
Nathaniel Cyne is out injured but boss Klopp has elevated youngsters Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of Flanagan.
And now Gomez has been called up for England's two prestige friendlies next week against Germany and Brazil.
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