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Arne Slot hasn’t had many transfer decisions to make since taking over as Liverpool manager, but one presented itself in late January, almost by accident.

James McConnell had attracted interest regarding a possible mid-season loan and the Reds were open to the possibility, until the midfielder was drafted in to play in the final Champions League group game against PSV Eindhoven.

But the plan was also to try and find minutes for McConnell in the FA Cup, coupled with a few Premier League substitute appearances, before his situation will be reevaluated in the summer.

First-team opportunities could occur in the league if Liverpool can wrap up the title early, although the lack of injuries and depth of squad means he has made the bench just once in the 10 league games.

McConnell is a cut above the rest at his age group, both physically and technically.

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James McConnell was excellent against PSV.

Last week, in just his second appearance at youth level this season, McConnell scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Stoke City that ended Liverpool’s six-match winless win in the Premier League 2

I think that’s where we’ve been disappointing this year in that we haven’t scored enough chances compared to how many we’ve made.”

It might have been a different story had McConnell been available all season and, while he’s back for now, Lewtas and Liverpool know a player of that quality won’t be around for much longer.