Liverpool have plenty of stars – young and old – that are certain to light up Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
But one player who is currently uncertain of his exact international status is Ben Doak, having been named in Scotland’s preliminary squad.
Manager Steve Clarke clearly holds the youngster high in his thoughts, despite the winger having endured a very difficult season.
Doak managed just five senior Liverpool appearances in all competitions, with his time on the pitch disrupted by a serious knee injury.
But the 18-year-old has managed to recover in time, and will now have his sights set on a place in Clarke’s final squad.
Ben Doak already shining for Scotland
It is, however, Scotland assistant manager John Carver that he has very much impressed at the international camp.
Having progressed through the Scotland youth ranks, Doak is now mixing it with the senior stars for the very first time, but importantly has not been affected by the step up.
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“Ben Doak, nothing fazes him, he’s fitted into the group straight away, which is quite amazing because I remember when I was a young lad with the first team for the first time, and I was petrified,” said Carver, as per BBC Sport Scotland.
“He’s come in and fitted into the group, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.
“If we have to rely on him and he has to go on and perform, we don’t fear that he’s going to let himself or the team down. He’ll gain from the experience, just like Billy Gilmour did.”
Will the Liverpool youngster make the final Scotland squad?
Scotland are well underway with their Euro 2024 preparations, with Clarke’s side set to take on Gibraltar and Finland in friendly encounters.
The man in the dugout has named a 28-man squad for the time being, but that must be cut to 26 for the major tournament in Germany.
Doak is one of the most inexperienced players in the setup, unlike teammate Andy Robertson, but his electric pace and direct running will give Clarke plenty to think about.
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The 18-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Scottish giants Celtic in the summer of 2022, is certainly highly regarded at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp was ‘pleasantly surprised’ by Doak’s development before his injury, while he now has the chance to impress Arne Slot if selected for the Euros.
Having signed a new long-term deal on Merseyside in September, Doak’s club future is secured, with a steady international future now surely at the front of his mind.