Liverpool youngster Paul Glatzel has signed a new long-term contract at the club as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.
The 18-year-old put in some stellar performances for the academy last year and he was rewarded with a spell with the first-team squad this pre-season.
However, he sustained an ACL injury in their first pre-season game this summer, coming off in the first-half against Tranmere in visible pain.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted he would have no hesitation in turning to Glatzel once more after he recovers from injury and the club have also reinforced this a signal of their faith.
Glatzel has signed a new long-term contract - less than a year after signing his first professional deal at the club - as he continues his long journey to full fitness.
He is expected to be out of action for at least eight months and is likely to join in with first-team training sessions on his return, much like fellow striker Rhian Brewster, who followed a similar path to Glatzel last year.
“When I got injured [Klopp] spoke to me a lot and he gave me a phone call just to see how I was,” Glatzel said of Klopp's support of him.
“He's a massive character and he just shows it. What he's achieved at the club so far is magnificent, so it's just good to be around him and he's there for you as well.
Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“If you need to speak to him, he'll come over and speak to you.
“I was disappointed to get my injury at the start of the season, but it's a great feeling and it shows that the club has got faith in me. Now I can just focus on my rehab and get back on the pitch.
“I've been at the club for so long and I just want to keep going and see where it takes me. Hopefully I can crack on now and keep going. The contract makes it easier.
“Mentally, it's good to be able to focus on the rehab and know that there's people that have faith in me and they know I'll come back from my injury stronger and I'll be ready when I'm back on the pitch.”
Glatzel scored 21 goals in 30 appearances for the youth side last year, often overshadowing the more prolific Bobby Duncan, who left for Fiorentina earlier this month.