Liverpool midfielder praised for making 'huge difference' after transfer return

Liverpool U23s coach Barry Lewtas has heaped praise on midfielder Leighton Clarkson after a string of highly influential performances.

The 20-year-old midfielder was a crucial component of the Reds' 3-0 Lancashire Senior Cup quarter-final victory against Preston North End U23s on Tuesday evening.

Clarkson spent the first half of the season on loan with Championship side Blackburn Rovers but has been instrumental since returning to the Reds in January.

Lewtas told the club's official website: "Leighton has made a huge difference for us because he adds a different dimension to our play since he has come back.

"He is able to control the pace of the game through his range of passing.

"The midfield we have been able to put together with Tyler Morton, Leighton, Tom Clayton, Dominic Corness, it is a talented midfield and one full of good footballers.

"We've been able to have control of games for larger periods, which has suited how we wanted to play the game."

Liverpool's successful navigation of Preston came courtesy of goals from Fidel O'Rourke, Tom Clayton and Jack Bearne.

The Reds will now face Blackpool in the semi-final where they will be reunited with former Academy coach Neil Critchley, who is making great strides at Bloomfield Road.

Clarkson found his opportunities limited at Ewood Park, making four starts and three substitute appearances for Blackburn, before returning to Merseyside at the turn of the year.

But Lewtas insists the the experience was still a good one for the Blackburn-born youngster, who is keen to keep learning and develop his game further.

Lewtas said: "Obviously Leighton started the season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, couldn't quite force his way into the team and they went on a fantastic run and