Liverpool handed Ben Doak injury scare during U21s defeat

Ben Doak was substituted during Liverpool's EFL Trophy defeat to Bradford City on Tuesday - with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

The 18-year-old, who started at Valley Parade on what was hoped to be another historic night in the competition for Barry Lewtas' young Reds, was replaced by Melkamu Frauendorf with 20 minutes remaining and his side 3-0 down.

Writing on Twitter as Doak was replaced, Andy Kelly - Liverpool's Academy Press Officer, said: "Ben Doak hobbles off the pitch to be replaced by Frauendorf. He’s been the Reds’ biggest threat tonight. Looks like an ankle problem so fingers crossed it’s nothing serious. 3-0

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"Ben Doak walks down the tunnel unaided and seems to be moving much better than when coming off the pitch. Positive sign."

Doak was an unused substitute for Sunday's 4-3 Premier League victory over Fulham and would have been expected to acquire further first-team minutes in the coming weeks as the Reds prepare to play seven games in the next three weeks.

Starting alongside the Scotland youth international on Tuesday night were Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon, two full-backs who have also enjoyed senior recognition at Anfield this campaign.

However, the under-21s' impressive run in the competition came to an end as League Two Bradford City ran out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Tyler Smith (2), Andy Cook and Vadaine Oliver.

The young Reds were forced to play most of the game with 10 men after 18-year-old forward Lewis Koumas was shown a straight red card in the first half.

Liverpool under-21s are next in action on December 17 when they