Jurgen Klopp explains Luke Chambers Liverpool selection decision
Luke Chambers has been handed his full Liverpool debut in this evening's Europa League Group E clash with Toulouse at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp says Luke Chambers is deserving of his full Liverpool debut against Toulouse.
Klopp has given the 19-year-old full-back his first start for the club in their Europa League Group E match against last season's French Cup winners at Anfield.
Chambers made a cameo appearance during last month's 3-1 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup third round. But on Thursday night, he was handed a place in the starting line-up ahead of Kostas Tsimikas.
Greece international Tsimikas is expected to deputise for Andy Robertson, who is set to be sidelined until the new year following a shoulder injury that he suffered on international duty with Scotland. But, against Toulouse, Chambers has been given his chance.
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The 19-year-old enjoyed his first taste of men's professional football last season during a short-term loan in the Scottish Premiership with Kilmarnock, where he impressed under Derek McInnes.
Reds boss Klopp was full of praise for Chambers as he handed another opportunity for a player who has risen through the Academy rnaks in Kirkby.
"He's a boy with big hopes, he was on loan, done really really well in Scotland," said Klopp. "He came back, had lots of opportunities, unlucky injury - it's time, time to show up. It's cool, no massive expectations, just be yourself, he deserves that. He's very excited I'm sure of that."
The Reds are looking to extend their 100% record in the Europa League, following wins over LASK and Union Saint-Gilloise. Going into the match, Toulouse were Liverpool's closest rivals in Group E after picking up four points from their opening two games.