Michael Owen has hailed Caoimhin Kelleher, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones as Liverpool’s three ‘heroes’ from their Champions League 1-0 win over Ajax.
The Reds secured a victory at Anfield on Tuesday evening to win Group D and progress to the next stage of the competition.
Jones’ first Champions League goal came after Ajax keeper Andre Onana misjudged the flight of Williams’ cross, and the strike was enough to separate the two teams.
Owen praised the performance of the young goalkeeper – who started in the absence of the injured Alisson Becker – and said he was one of their three ‘heroes’ in the game.
He told BT Sport: ‘It was a good night for Liverpool and in particular the three youngsters; the goalkeeper, Neco, who created the goal, and Curtis, who scored it.
‘They were the three heroes on the night. It was a good night for the academy and a good night for Liverpool.’
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand also added: ‘Jurgen Klopp will be pleased with that. It’s a bonus that they can rest a few players now.
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‘It wasn’t the usual swashbuckling Liverpool side but Klopp won’t care about that. ‘Curtis Jones was the one who you thought would unlock the door. He was creating chances and he was always in and around the penalty box.’
Kelleher, meanwhile, has spoken about his ‘amazing’ Champions League debut after helping Liverpool qualify for a place in the last-16 of the competition with a game to spare.
He said: ‘It was an amazing one for me, to make my debut in a Champions League game was massive and we got the win and qualified. A great night.
‘That’s what I’m there for, I work every day in training to make sure I am ready and I was able to make a good few saves.
‘It’s quite easy for me with the players in front of me, they give me good options. We are not here to take part, the young players want to push and play as many games as we can. ‘My phone has been hot since I got in tonight, thanks for all the support.’
