Wataru Endo is not fazed by being the answer to Arne Slot’s centre-back shortage, admitting he hopes to play a lot more for Liverpool during the second half of the season. The Japan international has been on the fringes for the Reds so far under the Dutchman, starting only four times in domestic cup competitions.

Prior to a 33-minute appearance away at West Ham United a fortnight ago, he had featured for just 25 minutes in the Premier League and Champions League across nine substitute appearances.

But in the absences of first the injured Ibrahima Konate and then Joe Gomez, Endo has recently emerged as a centre-back option under Slot.

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He completed his first 90 minutes of the season when playing in defence against Southampton last month, before coming on against Tottenham Hotspur in place of the ill Jarell Quansah after just 30 minutes in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

Impressing at the heart of defence, he then followed it up by partnering Quansah in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley - briefly donning the captain’s armband after Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted - in the FA Cup third round.

And while has not discussed his position under Slot, Endo insists he has no issues playing at centre-back having actually started his career in a more defensive role.

“No, I don't discuss with the manager what my position is,” he told reporters, including the ECHO, after Liverpool’s FA Cup win. “Now Joey has got an injury and Ibou is just coming back so that's why I played.

“He (Slot) also thinks putting me as a defender is a good option to play his tactics so I hope I'm going to get a lot more minutes than before.

“Actually, I used to play as a defender when I was 18 to 25 years old so for me I don't mind if I play centre-back or number six. I just do what I can do.

“It's an honour to play as captain, even for 20 minutes, but I just try to put in a good performance. I think we played well (against Accrington).

“The players who don't play constantly got minutes and have played very well, so that is the most important thing for the team to achieve something.

“We need everybody so we need to get ready for every game that's coming. Of course, we won so that's important, but everyone got minutes so that's also important for the team to help achieve something for this season.”

While Endo’s game-time might have been limited this season, he is still enjoying playing under Slot and insists he is not frustrated by his role in the Dutchman’s plans.

“I don't get frustrated or anything like that,” he said. “I always try to get ready to help the team.

“Of course I want to play every game but we need everyone in the squad. The thing I can do is prepare for every game.

“I wouldn't say a lot of difference (under Slot compared to former manager Jurgen Klopp), we want to put pressure high. I think the new manager is more stable so he likes the players to stay in their positions how he wants and that's different.

“But I really enjoy how he plays at the moment and I think everyone enjoys playing his tactics.”

Endo was Liverpool’s oldest player to feature against Accrington, as Slot took the opportunity to rest Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker altogether.

It means the 31-year-old lined up alongside teenager Rio Ngumoha as the 16-year-old became the youngest ever player to start a game for the Reds.

With his eldest son being 11 years old himself, it was a surreal moment for Endo, but he was not surprised to see Ngumoha put in an eye-catching maiden performance after the former Chelsea winger trained numerous times with Slot’s first team during the first half of the season.

“I think he played very well, especially first half,” Endo said. “His dribbling is amazing.

“Actually my son is 11 years old so there's only five years difference so I can't believe I play with him. I'm so happy he made his debut today, a special moment for him.

“He also said it is just the beginning so he needs to keep working hard. He trains like that so for me I'm not surprised he played like that today. He needs to keep working hard.”