Liverpool U23 coach Barry Lewtas is delighted with the form this season of Owen Beck.

Beck is one of seven Academy graduates to have made a senior debut in 2021-22 and was outstanding for the U23s' win against Derby yesterday.

Lewtas told liverpoolfc.com: "I thought Owen was fantastic. The progress he has made over his time at the Academy, but certainly the last couple of years, is a credit to him with the work he puts in [and] how coachable he is because he listens and takes on board the information we give him. He has become a real consistent performer for us and in my opinion he was the standout player against Derby. In fairness to him I think those levels have been consistent for some time now so I'm really pleased for Owen and really pleased with him as well."

On Leighton Clarkson's return from his Blackburn Rovers loan, Lewtas also said: "It was good to have Leighton back. He has had a really good experience out on loan, his first loan. There was an opportunity for him to play for us and he needed those minutes.

"We all know what Leighton is capable of doing and I thought in moments during the game we relied on him. He put his foot on the ball, got a bit of control and helped us build from the back. It's nice to have Leighton back around. It seems crazy to say he's one of the senior players we've got and he's only 20."