Ben Woodburn is ready for regular action with Liverpool, says Wales team-mate Sam Vokes

By Mathieu Wood

Friday 15 September 2017 23:44, UK

Ben Woodburn has received the backing of Wales colleague Sam Vokes should the Liverpool teenager be selected by Jurgen Klopp on a regular basis.

The absence of the Reds' regular starter Sadio Mane through suspension provides the 17-year-old with an improved chance of featuring in Klopp's starting line-up as Liverpool prepare to face Burnley on Saturday.

However, Klopp is not short of attacking options and hinted that he could hand a starting return to Philippe Coutinho when the two sides meet at Anfield but Vokes is in no doubt about the talent that Woodburn possesses.

"Ben has been fantastic for Wales, obviously getting a goal on your international debut is huge," Vokes said.

"I think he might be limited to chances at Liverpool but obviously from an international point of view to come and score your first goal and in the second game get a massive assist for us was huge. I am sure on the international side it will be massive for Wales.

"I am sure he is ready to play in the Premier League regularly. They have a wealth of talent at Liverpool so he is going to be limited with chances. But from his point of view it will be great for him to get some club football under his belt going into the international games.

"Obviously I am sure when he comes away with Wales now he will want to be involved and playing. He will want that chance at club level. I am sure the talent he has got he can step into that Liverpool side. From our point of view at Wales, he has been fantastic."

Meanwhile, Vokes, who has already scored two goals this campaign, believes his side go into the meeting with Liverpool full of optimism after picking up seven points this season under Sean Dyche's leadership.

Burnley defeated reigning Premier League champions Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge, on the opening weekend of the season before securing a point against Tottenham at Wembley.

"We've got some great confidence from the away games we've had recently and the points we've picked up," Vokes added.

"For us, we're not going there in fear of anyone. It's another chance for us to go and put our name out there.

"Even at start of the year when the fixtures came out, everyone thought, 'Those first five are daunting', but we've taken that challenge on and we've got four points from the first two so we go to Anfield full of confidence."