Sir Kenny Dalglish has raved about Liverpool winger Ben Doak, but he has urged Scotland supporters to allow the youngster to develop at his own pace.
Speaking in partnership with Viaplay, the Anfield legend told Scottish fans to remain patient, after calls were made for the 17-year-old to be included in the senior national team.
“It’s not a Cinderella story,” said Dalglish, when asked if Doak should be considered for Scotland’s senior team.
“He’ll get there eventually but let’s not push him too quickly.
“The wee man has done brilliant at Liverpool. They really enjoy what he’s done. He certainly looks the part.
“But give him time to settle down. For a 17-year-old to leave his home town for Liverpool, give the wee man a chance to breathe.”
Doak has played three times for Scotland U21’s.
Dalglish has been impressed by Doak
Doak only joined Liverpool last summer. He arrived from Celtic in a deal worth a £600,000 compensation fee, and he has gone on to impress on Merseyside.
Starting with the U18’s and the U19’s UEFA side, the 17-year-old is now a regular with Barry Lewtas’ U21’s squad.
In ten appearances for them, he has bagged four goals and one assist– taking his overall tally with the youth teams to ten goals and seven assists in 23 appearances.
He has since been rewarded with five cameos off the bench for Jurgen Klopp’s first-team.
However, as Dalglish says, both Liverpool and Scotland need to be patient with the youngster.
There’s no point in rushing him through the system and potentially risking long-term injuries, as he is sure to have an illustrious career at the top level.