Liverpool forward makes long-awaited comeback but can't stop frustration

A strong team couldn't prevent Liverpool from slumping to Premier League 2 defeat at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

An early goal from Zak Gilsenan was enough to send the Reds tumbling to a 1-0 reverse at the Lancashire FA County Ground in Leyland.

But there was the significant positive of 20-year-old Harvey Blair emerging from the bench for the final half-hour on his first appearance since before Christmas due to injury.

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Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas were all part of a starting line-up for Barry Lewtas's side along with Trey Nyoni and Rhys Williams, who have also had first-team experience.

Gilsenan scored the only goal after just five minutes with a shot into the far corner after being found by Rory Finneran, with Liverpool goalkeeper Oscar Kelly having to then save from Blackburn's Igor Tyjon.

The Reds, though, began to ramp up the pressure with Koumas and Gordon both coming close, but couldn't find a way through despite attempting 23 shots, six of which required saving by Blackburn goalkeeper Adam Khan.

The result means Liverpool have dropped to fifth in the table with three games remaining. The top 16 in the 26-team league will then go into a play-off, although only Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have thus far secured their place in the knockout rounds.

Liverpool are next in Premier League 2 action on Friday when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 7.30pm).

LIVERPOOL U21s (4-3-3): Kelly; Nallo (Davidson 62), Miles, Williams, Pinnington; McConnell (Pilling 77), Clark, Nyoni; Gordon, Koumas (Frauendorf 74),