Liverpool Echo: Robinson return delights Kenny

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Kenny Dalglish has welcomed the return to action of talented Liverpool defender Jack Robinson.

The 18-year-old LFC left-back had been sidelined for more than three months with a foot injury but proved his fitness in the reserves' 4-0 victory over Norwich City at Melwood yesterday.

Robinson, who has made two first team appearances so far this season, played for an hour against the Canaries.

"It was Robbo's first game for a long time and it was good to see him back," Dalglish said.

"He's been out for a while but he got an hour under his belt and will really benefit from that."

Robinson, who remains the youngest ever player to feature for Liverpool FC following his debut at Hull in May 2010, was part of a strong second string side.

First team squad members Jon Flanagan, Sebastian Coates, Jonjo Shelvey and Fabio Aurelio also featured, while there was a rare appearance for goalkeeper Brad Jones.

"It was a useful exercise," Dalglish said.

"It was important for the likes of Fabio, Jonjo, Flanno and Seb to get a run out, certainly better than training.

"Their attitude was right and they applied themselves in the right manner. You've got to be fair to everyone and get them as fit as you can."

The fixture was switched from the Academy to Melwood due to the playing surface in Kirkby and the Reds dominated throughout.

Nathan Eccleston broke the deadlock early on when he converted Flanagan's cross and the striker added a second before the break.

Winger Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 with a fine finish and Shelvey completed the scoring for Rodolfo Borrell's side.

Aurelio, who made a brief substitute appearance in the Reds' win at Wolves last week, played 90 minutes on the left side of midfield.

Robinson will now be looking to improve his match fitness and challenge Jose Enrique for a first team place.

The Spanish defender sat out Monday night's 0-0 draw with Tottenham due to stiffness in his hamstring but Enrique should be back available for Saturday's Premier League trip to Manchester United.

In Enrique's absence, Martin Kelly came into the side at right-back against Spurs with Glen Johnson switching flanks.

Johnson rose to the challenge as the England international once again showed his versatility with an eye-catching performance.

"Glen was excellent but that wasn't a surprise ," Dalglish added. "It wasn't the first time Glen has played there and he has proved before he's more than capable of playing on the left."

Source: Liverpool Echo

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.