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Arne Slot has acknowledged that James McConnell is knocking at the door of Liverpool's first team, particularly after his strong display against PSV in the Champions League.

McConnell emerged as a highlight for Slot, who has now expressed a desire for the youngster to remain at the club.

He is scheduled to sit down with sporting director Richard Hughes on Thursday to review the closing stages of the transfer window and decide which players might be lent out.



And at the moment we have most of our players fit so we will have this discussion tomorrow I think between me and Richard (Hughes) about these players," remarked Slot.

Initially, McConnell was part of the cohort potentially heading out on loan, but after his showing in the Netherlands, plans regarding his short-term future may need to be reconsidered.

Slot added: "But there's definitely one that will not go out on loan: James McConnell.

Reflecting on the incident, Slot acknowledged the difficulty but highlighted it as an educational moment: "It is cruel, but he has never played first-team football yet and then to make your debut in the Champions League level is probably the hardest way.

"I think he misinterpreted the situation and it's immediately a problem at this level or Premier League level

"It is a big moment for him to learn from, and it is cruel when you think 10 minutes before the end, 'I'm making my debut in the Champions League', but a few moments later you go off with a red card."