Joel Matip hopes his injury problems are behind him after making his competitive debut for Liverpool in the 5-0 EFL Cup rout of Burton Albion.

The centre-back saw his first pre-season with the Reds interrupted by an ankle issue and was an unused substitute in the opening two Premier League games of the campaign, at Arsenal and Burnley.

Jürgen Klopp named Matip in his starting XI at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday night and was rewarded with an assured 90 minutes from the Cameroon international.

The 25-year-old was delighted to feature in the resounding victory over Nigel Clough’s Championship outfit and expects to improve further as he works his way back to full fitness.

“I feel very good after the time with my injury. It’s getting better and better,” Matip told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It was not the best time [while I was injured]. For a player it’s always hard when you’re injured and cannot go at 100 per cent. It’s good to be back. I will need some time, but I will get better.”

Early goals from Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino set Klopp’s side on their way against Burton, with substitute Daniel Sturridge rounding off a satisfying win with a late brace after the Brewers’ Tom Naylor had put through his own net.

And Matip and his defensive colleagues remained solid throughout to ensure Liverpool picked up their first clean sheet of the season.

“We have some things to improve, we know this, but it’s the beginning of the season and we have enough quality to improve this and get better,” added the No.32.

The result was an especially welcome one following the disappointment of a 2-0 reversal at Turf Moor three days previously, and Matip offered an insight into Klopp’s pre-match team talk.

“The first thing [he said was] win, and also to convince ourselves and the public. It was not our best game but we won and that’s the most important thing,” the defender said.