‘Imagine’ - Liverpool forward ‘not fully fit’ as manager delivers major verdict

Ben Doak's performance for Scotland under-21s has been lauded - despite not being fully fit.

The Liverpool winger delivered an electric display in the young Tartan Army’s 1-0 loss against Spain in their opening European Championships 2025 qualifying fixture. Doak persistently tormented the home side during his 77-minute outing as he operated as a striker despite being a natural winger.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022-23 season for the Reds after arriving from Celtic last summer, recording a total of 11 goals and eight assists in 27 appearances at under-18, under-19 and under-21 level. As a result, he was rewarded with five outings for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Doak has been with Liverpool's first team throughout this campaign, coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on the opening day and being an unused substitute in the other three fixtures.

Scotland under-21s boss Scott Gemmill admitted that Doak is not quite up to speed because of a lack of minutes this term - but waxed lyrical about the fledgling talent’s display.

Via the Daily Record, Gemmill said: "It was an exceptional performance from Ben Doak. I would even add that's there more to come from him. He's not fully match fit at the moment because of his limited minutes as he is playing for such a good club.

"Imagine a fully-fit Ben Doak! I thought it was a really top performance and hopefully everyone saw that. Credit to the players for executing the game plan. I am actually not too disappointed because I am really proud of the players."