Former Bolton Wanderers and Premier League star Stelios Giannakopoulos believes Kostas Tsimikas has turned the corner at Liverpool.

The 25-year-old is now proving he is far more than just Andy Robertson's reserve on Merseyside.

Stelios told the Liverpool Echo: “I'm not surprised by Kostas ' start to the season. I knew from the beginning that Kostas was going to make it because he has a big heart and he has determination.

“He works very, very hard and that is very, very obvious. You can see it during the games.

“The games are a mirror of the work you are doing in training week in, week out. Nothing comes along without trying and he tries a lot.

“His progress has been phenomenal. This is the main reason why Liverpool came to sign him.

“Obviously they have been watching him for a long time. The scouting system of these big clubs is very, very important and they don't rely on luck.

“They sign players based on evidence and all the evidence was there for Kostas.

“He deserves what he deserves, it's as simple as that."