Liverpool full-back Joe Flanagan made his long-awaited comeback to the first team in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Exeter City on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old returned to the pitch after spending a 20-month spell on the sidelines due to knee injuries, and his substitute appearance was met with a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd, much to the delight of manager Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp said: "When Flanno came in it was a great moment, after this long time.
"I haven't had him too often in training until now because we need to really be careful with him. Too high intensity is not allowed, so it's always training, break, training, break, recovery. He had a few minutes in the U21s.
"Connor Randall had a little problem with a muscle and it was the opportunity for us to bring Flanno on. It was a really emotional moment.
"The whole stadium stood up and clapped their hands. It was really good and nobody deserved it more than him. It's such a long time, an unbelievably long time.
"Since I've been here he was always injured – but never in a bad mood! That's unbelievable. He is a really strong lad.
"Hopefully, now it goes on. We have to see how he feels tomorrow and take it day by day. But it is one of the best [pieces of] news we could get that he's back."
