Liverpool midfielder left in transfer limbo as 'new' centre-back unearthed

Liverpool under-21s secured only their second-ever victory in the EFL Trophy when they came out on top in an epic penalty shoot-out at Blackpool on Wednesday evening. Having been the better side in the goalless draw after 90 minutes, the Reds prevailed 8-7 on spot kicks against the League One outfit.

It meant Barry Lewtas's team went one better than last time out in the competition when they lost on penalties at Harrogate Town after a 1-1 draw, although a 5-1 defeat in their group opener against Crewe Alexandra means they have failed to make the knockout stages.

And there were a number of talking points from another encouraging evening after a good week for the Academy.

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Morton ticks over

The last two days have underlined the difficult situation in which Arne Slot admits Tyler Morton finds himself at Liverpool this season. On Tuesday night, Morton was among the unused substitutes at Anfield as the first team romped to an impressive 4-0 Champions League victory against Bayer Leverkusen.

Less than 24 hours, though, the midfielder was lining up at Bloomfield Road against Blackpool in an under-21 side for his first appearance in the EFL Trophy in more than three years.

Two promising season-long spells on loan in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and then Hull City underlined the 22-year-old has long outgrown the Academy.

But the strength in depth at Slot's disposal in midfield has meant Morton - who saw a loan move to Leverkusen scuppered during the summer - has been restricted to just 72 minutes over two League Cup appearances this campaign.

His quality is evident by his three Premier League 2 outings with the U21s, which have kept his sharpness ticking over, having yielded three goals and an assist, while his one start for the first team saw him create a goal for Cody Gakpo in the League Cup win at Brighton last Wednesday.

And after a slightly shaky start, Morton was a solid performer against Blackpool, particularly during a first half in which the visitors dominated possession with the midfielder integral, dragging one shot wide.

While the second half was more of a slog as the home team raised their intensity, Morton took his penalty confidently in the shoot-out.

Spearing sets example

Up until this game, Jay Spearing's most memorable contribution in this competition had come two years ago when replacing the lesser-spotted Arthur Melo in a 1-0 defeat at Rochdale.

But even that seemed less remarkable than the sight of the 35-year-old lining up alongside Lee Jones at centre-back at Blackpool.

Spearing was pressed into action given Liverpool were without three central defenders in Amara Nallo, Wellity Lucky and Carter Pinnington, who had all featured - and in the case of Pinnington, scored - in the 4-1 UEFA Youth League win over Bayer Leverkusen at Kirkby on Tuesday afternoon.

The veteran was back on familiar ground having spent three years at Blackpool where he was club captain. And what Spearing lacked in height he more than made up for in experience and canny positioning, along with the ability to stick his foot in when required.

He was clobbered on the head on the hour mark but was able to continue until five minutes before the end when his body finally gave up on him.

At the other end of the scale, 18-year-old right-back Lucas Pitt was making his first start in the EFL Trophy and didn't look out of place and was among many to hold their nerve in the shoot-out.

Harvey the cream

When the transfer deadline passed at the end of August, it wasn't just Morton that many Liverpool observers had expected to once again be released on loan.

Three of that number - goalkeeper Harvey Davies, left-back James Norris and midfielder Dom Corness - had spent last season at Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers and Swiss side Yverdon Sport respectively.

The trio all started at Blackpool, with Davies the most impressive on display even before his saves in the shoot-out to deny Terry Bondo and, decisively, Takudzwa Gwanzura.

With EFL Trophy interest now over and no longer eligible for the UEFA Youth League, there is every chance the triumvirate could be given a further loan opportunity in the January window.