Danny Ings' four-goal haul in Liverpool U23's 7-0 win over Bristol City on Sunday was deserved, according to U23 boss Neil Critchley.
The 25-year-old has been crippled with injuries since moving to Anfield from Burnley in 2015, having made just 12 first-team appearances.
"Danny deserved that today and we have said the goals have been coming for him," Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com.
"For him to score in the first minute of the game, we were all genuinely made up for him, and you could see the confidence to start flow through him after that.
"His second effort was a typical striker's goal in the six-yard box and his hat-trick, what a fantastic goal that was, a great finish, and then he gets another one in the second half.
"It's no surprise to us because Danny is a constant threat. He puts himself in goalscoring positions and he is a good finisher – we see that in training, so we are absolutely delighted for Danny."
Source: tribalfootball.com