Harvey Elliott makes scoring return from injury in Liverpool’s win over Cardiff

Teenager Harvey Elliott marked his return from almost five months out with a serious ankle injury with his first Liverpool goal in a 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Cardiff.

The 18-year-old had been sidelined since a fracture dislocation at Leeds in September but marked his comeback with a brilliant swivelled finish in front of the Kop.

Prior to that new £37.5million signing Luis Diaz had given Anfield a glimpse of what he can offer with an encouraging 30-minute cameo.

The Colombia international only met his team-mates for the first time on Friday having waited in Paris most of the week for his visa to come through following his move from Porto last Sunday.

But there was no lacking in determination or invention as he played a significant role in the decisive second goal for Takumi Minamino midway through the second half, after Diogo Jota’s 15th of the season had broken the deadlock.

Cardiff substitute Rubin Colwill scored an 80th-minute consolation for the visitors with a smart finish past Kelleher but a place in the last 16 – and a home tie against Norwich – for only the second time in Jurgen Klopp’s reign was never in doubt.

The only concern came late on when Diaz went down holding his knee after Cardiff captain Aden Flint accidentally landed on him – but the 25-year-old was able to finish the game after treatment.

A late run out for midfielder Thiago Alcantara, after six weeks out with a hip problem, and Africa Cup of Nations finalists Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane due back before Thursday’s Premier League visit of Leicester means Liverpool’s contention in four competitions is looking as strong as it has all season.

Strong was not a word associated with Cardiff’s team as they made eight changes from Wednesday’s Sky