Liverpool midfielder suffers injury scare as 18-year-old striker scores again

A goal from Lewis Koumas wasn't enough as Liverpool ended their Premier League International Cup campaign with defeat on Wednesday night.

Koumas opened the scoring in the first half only for the under-21s to ultimately fall to a 3-1 reverse against Athletic Bilbao at Kirkby in their final group game.

There was early concern when Tom Hill, who has suffered a succession of injury setbacks in recent years, was forced to limp off after only eight minutes. It later transpired the blow appears not as bad as first feared, with the midfielder having rolled his ankle.

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Koumas, who netted in the 3-1 victory over Feyenoord before Christmas, put Liverpool ahead on 27 minutes when he converted the rebound after Paul Glatzel saw his shot well saved by Athletic goalkeeper Oier Gastesi.

Athletic, though, were level before the break when former Liverpool Academy player Elijah Gift fired home. And the visitors edged in front on 56 minutes through a smart finish by Ibai Asensia.

Barry Lewtas's side pressed hard for an equaliser with Glatzel, Calum Scanlon and substitute Kieran Morrison all threatening, only for Athletic to score in injury time when substitute Asier Hierro slotted home after a deflected shot fell into his path.

Liverpool U21s are next in action in Premier League 2 at Brighton on Saturday (kick-off 4pm).

LIVERPOOL U21s: Mrozek; Miles, Pinnington, Nallo, Scanlon; Pilling (K Kelly 85), Davidson, Hill (Glatzel 8); Kone-Doherty (Figueroa 85), Cannonier (Morrison 46), Koumas. Subs: O Kelly, Spearing.