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Liverpool ace outlines Arne Slot target after breakthrough season cut short by injury

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bobby Clark celebrates after scoring against Sparta Prague -Credit:(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)


Incoming boss Arne Slot is set to benefit from Jürgen Klopp putting his faith in Liverpool's youngsters this season. The likes of Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah have established themselves as first-team regulars and will have even more prominent roles next term.

During an injury crisis earlier in the campaign, Klopp was forced to turn to youth and he wasn't let down. Jayden Danns, James McConnell and Bobby Clark were all introduced at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.

Clark has had the most first-team exposure, making 12 appearances in all competitions, including his first Premier League start in the dramatic win at Nottingham Forest in March. He also got his first Liverpool goal against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

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His last outing came in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, with Clark taking to social media to reveal he is out on the sidelines through injury. The 19-year-old is aiming to be ready for pre-season to impress new boss Slot.

Clark wrote on Instagram: "Unfortunately my season has came to an end early due to injury, time to focus on getting back fit for the new season." Teammates Stefan Bajčetić and Lewis Koumas were quick to show their support for the midfielder.

After his goal against Sparta Prague, Klopp said of Clark: "It was a top performance, a real performance. It is really nice to see him develop and flourish. He is ready and I wouldn't play him if he wasn't."

It remains to be seen if Klopp gives any more opportunities to Liverpool's youngsters in the final three matches of the season. The Reds need just one more point to be sure of third spot and host Tottenham at Anfield this weekend.

Bradley has been sidelined for two weeks with an ankle injury after limping off against Crystal Palace. He could be fit to return this weekend, while Diogo Jota is also in contention for the Reds with Klopp set to provide a fitness update in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Liverpool.com says: Clark has enjoyed a fine debut campaign in the first team and has not looked out of place. Slot will run the rule over him and a number of other youngsters in the summer and decide what is best for their development. He will hope to be involved at Anfield but could potentially be loaned out to get some more first team exposure.