Ben Woodburn: Liverpool praised for creating the next Gareth Bale and Ryan Giggs

LIVERPOOL have been praised for developing Wales’ next Gareth Bale after Ben Woodburn scored on his international debut against Austria last night.

Woodburn scores SCREAMER during Huddersfield vs. Liverpool

Woodburn let leash from the edge of the area four minutes after coming on in a crunch World Cup qualifier in Cardiff.

The 17-year-old’s strike secured Wales a 1-0 win and keeps them in with a chance of making it to Russia 2018.

Woodburn also scored on only his second Liverpool outing against Leeds in the EFL Cup last season.

And Wales legend John Hartson was all praise for the Chester-born star last night.

“We've found one. We have found another one. We found a Giggs, we found a Bale and now we've found a Woodburn,” Hartson said on 5Live.

Liverpool Ben Woodburn Wales newsREUTERS

Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn scored the winner for Wales last night

“Very, very special young talent.

“Liverpool have done brilliant work with him.

“They also gave him his debut, he scored on his debut for Liverpool.

“He had one thing in his mind when he came on. His touch was good and he hit a thunderous shot into the goalkeeper's right-hand corner. The place just erupted.”

Woodburn made nine appearances for Liverpool last season - four of them starts.

Ben Woodburn scores WalesGETTY

Ben Woodburn lets fly to score his first goal for Wales

Jurgen Klopp wants to 'keep public away' from Ben Woodburn

He is yet to play a minute of first-team action this term but Hartson believes he will get his chance both at club and international level.

“If he's good enough he's old enough,” Hartson added.

“Ryan Giggs made his debut at 17 or 18. Gareth Bale when he was very young.

“So if he's ready to get into that Liverpool team on a regular basis then he has to start for Wales.

“He's too special not to play if he's ready. One man who will know that is Chris Coleman.”

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