Layton Stewart's second Premier League 2 goal of the season was enough to secure victory for Liverpool’s U21s away at Leicester City.
Stewart, who had not found the back of the net in the league since last month’s score-draw with Brighton, was on hand to fire the young Reds ahead after 33 minutes.
Defender Luke Chambers was once again the architec t as he claimed another assist and picked up the fine form he ended Tuesday's UEFA Youth League triumph over Ajax with, impressing both in defence and attack.
Stewart had the chance to grab his and Liverpool 's second after 74 minutes, but he was unable to convert his penalty.
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Manager Barry Lewtas was able to name an extremely strong 11 for the fixture in Leicestershire, as a result of the upcoming international break and the exceptional circumstances of Jurgen Klopp’s side having their Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Sunday postponed due to security concerns ahead of Her Majesty the Queen’s funeral.
That meant that deadline-day signing Arthur Melo, who joined on a season-long loan from Juventus, was handed his first start for the Reds at any level as he partnered Jake Cain and 17-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, who made his Champions League debut during the closing stages over Ajax on Tuesday night, in midfield.
The Brazilian, who along with Harvey Blair was booked in the 91st minute, completed the match after being handed his first start in 129-days in what is a major boost for his fitness, ahead of an international break in which he will remain at the AXA Training Centre to continue to adjust to life at Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Fabio Carvalho was handed minutes in attack as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained in the Merseyside derby earlier this month. He joined Bobby Clark and Stewart in the forward line but was unable to add to the latter’s goal midway through the first half.
There was also a rare start for defender Nat Phillips, who is yet to feature for Klopp’s side since his surprising first-half appearance against Crystal Palace at Anfield last month, following injuries to Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. He marshalled youngsters Luke Chambers, Lee Jonas and Isaac Mabaya to just their second clean sheet this term.
Lewtas’ side are next in action on Tuesday evening as travel to the Crown Oil Arena to face Rochdale in the Papa John’s Trophy, and with Arthur and Carvalho not receiving international call-ups they could continue their recovery with outings against the League Two side.
Liverpool U21s (4-3-3): Davies; Mabaya, Phillips, Jonas, Chambers; Bajcetic, Arthur, Cain; Carvalho, Clark (Norris 82), Stewart (Blair 82).
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