Liverpool Under-21s welcomed both Jayden Danns and James McConnell back from injury while Keyrol Figueroa marked his full debut with a goal as they drew 1-1 away at Reading on Saturday afternoon. The young pair, who both impressed for the first team under Jurgen Klopp last season, had been yet to feature in the current campaign prior to the young Reds’ latest outing.
Both had been linked with loan moves away from Anfield in the summer, only to be denied by untimely injury. Danns had been sidelined with a back problem, while McConnell had been ruled out by a long-time ankle issue.
However, both were fit enough to make their first appearances of the season as Liverpool came from behind, recovering from conceding an early own goal, to earn a share of the spoils.
The young Reds fell behind inside the opening two minutes as Josh Davidson put through his own net, getting the final touch on Tyler Sackey’s cross when under pressure from Emmanuel Osho.
Starting in midfield, McConnell tried his best to equalise with an individual effort as he went past three players into the box, only to see his strike deflect kindly for the goalkeeper. Ranel Young would then be denied before Figueroa – son of former Premier League defender Maynor – saw an effort from the edge of the box blocked.
However, Liverpool were back level shortly before half-time as Kieran Morrison received the ball from Lee Jonas out on the right-flank, beat his man down the line after cutting inside, and crossed low for Figueroa to score a tap-in into an empty net.
The United States youth international had been handed his full debut in Premier League 2, and was delighted to mark his first start at the level with a goal.
Liverpool Under-21s welcomed both Jayden Danns and James McConnell back fromDanns was introduced in place of the goalscorer on the hour-mark, and nearly marked his return with a goal of his own. But having been set up by Trey Nyoni, he ultimately dragged his effort wide.
Meanwhile, having started in midfield, McConnell was withdrawn along with Nyoni after 74 minutes.
Liverpool enjoyed more shots on goal and more of the possession than the Royals, but were ultimately left disappointed in their pursuit of a winner, while Kornely Misciur twice had to deny the hosts late on. The stalemate leaves them fourth in the table after nine games played.
Liverpool U21s: Misciur; Davidson, Nallo, Jonas, Norris; McConnell (Kone-Doherty 74), Morrison, Nyoni (Kelly 74); Figueroa (Danns 60), Pilling, Young (Pinnington 81)
Subs not used: Trueman
