Who is Kieran Morrison? Liverpool wonderkid handed debut by Arne Slot in Carabao Cup clash

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Liverpool have handed a debut to 18-year-old starlet Kieran Morrison in their Carabao Cup showdown against Crystal Palace - with several senior players absent from the squad. The attacking midfielder was also part of the Reds' travelling party for their recent Premier League defeat at Brentford, but didn't make it off the bench.

Big names like Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are among those missing for the Eagles clash, as Arne Slot gives quite a few first-team regulars a breather. Just days after being promoted to the Premier League squad for the first time, the young winger has been given a chance to shine from the start.

Morrison has been turning heads for Liverpool U21s this term - thriving since being moved back to his preferred right-sided role under Rob Page. He played a pivotal part in the U19s' thrilling 5-4 UEFA Youth League victory over Frankfurt recently, having a hand in all five goals.

Officially, the Northern Ireland whizz-kid has chalked up two assists, but his impact is far beyond the numbers, creating opportunities and pressuring Frankfurt's backline into errors. Although he's typically a right forward, Morrison teamed up with American frontman Keyrol Figueroa in attack, and his roaming role across the frontline caused havoc for the opposition.

The young talent has already racked up one goal and three assists in eight appearances for Liverpool this season, earning him a spot in the senior squad. He joined fellow rising stars Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha in the first-team squad, before being named on the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Having made the switch from Manchester United to Liverpool during his teens, Morrison has long been tipped as one of the Reds' brightest prospects. He's previously warmed bench so far twice under Slot, including during their Carabao Cup victory over Southampton - but this marks his first start for Liverpool.

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It's expected the 18-year-old will pen a new deal when his current contract expires next summer. His impressive performances have also caught the eye of the Northern Ireland U21 squad - as they called him up during the last international break. This was the first time Morrison has been selected for an international squad since last year's Under-19 Euros - which took place in Northern Ireland.

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