Harvey Elliott has expressed his delight for Federico Chiesa after the Italian opened his account for Liverpool. The former Juventus attacker rounded off the scoring during the Reds FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley as Arne Slot's side won 4-0.

Chiesa capped a bright 45-minute cameo with a well-taken goal from range, arrowing a right-footed effort into the bottom left corner off the inside of the post. The 27-year-old has endured a torrid start to his Liverpool career after injuries and lack of fitness hampered his involvement.

He was due to start against the League Two side on Saturday, however illness in the build-up to the historic clash for the Lancashire allowing 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to become the youngest-ever player.

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Taking to Instagram, Elliott wrote: "Proud of you brother, congratulations!!!"

Both the England talent and the Chiesa have been the topic of speculation, so far in the transfer window. Elliott became the subject of rumours this week after he was an unnamed substitute for the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur prompting reports that Borussia Dortmund and Brighton were keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.

Meanwhile due to his struggles so far on Merseyside, the Italian has been repeatedly linked with a return to Napoli. With the recent reports of interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the suggestion that Chiesa could be a replacement for the Georgian has emerged.

Speaking after the win, Slot said: "It’s nice to make your debut and if you have played for this club already then you want to score your first goal, especially in front of your own fans. That’s what he did now, so that’s a good next step.

"Let’s not get carried away too much because although I liked the way Accrington Stanley played, a lot, it is in the end a League Two team. But it’s definitely a good next step for him to be available and even score a goal.”

"Yeah, that is definitely true. But if a player is fit and he doesn’t get the chance to show it, it’s also a frustration. The best part of being a footballer is playing, doing well and winning.

"If you don’t play because the manager makes a different decision or you’re not available, that is always difficult for every player because every player wants to do what he loves most. Even I would love to play still, but unfortunately, that is not possible anymore."