Neil Critchley's reaction

The Reds' boss for the night said he was 'incredibly proud' of his young side's performance at Villa Park.

Click here to read Critchley's post-match reaction in full.

We're into two minutes added time.

Unlucky, Liverpool!

Elliott's cushioned lay-off finds Gallacher, who sees his shot parried by Nyland. Clarkson gets to the loose ball, but Nyland is there to save again.

A third and final sub for the Reds sees Norris replace Hoever, who appeared to be struggling with cramp.

Kelleher beats away a powerful attempt by Lansbury.

Kane drills a shot wide from distance and Hoever's cross then just goes over Hill at the back post as the young Reds seek a goal their spirited performance deserves.

Great save, Caoimhin!

Trezeguet bursts clear down the left and shoots across Kelleher, but the 'keeper gets his foot to it.

Lovely football again from Liverpool, as Elliott and Bearne play a nice one-two and Elliott finds Kane with a clipped cross.

The midfielder's header is saved by Nyland, though.

Trezeguet bends a shot on target after a free-kick is partially cleared, but Kelleher gathers it well.

Seconds later, the Egyptian bursts through and directs a shot past Kelleher, but Van den Berg gets back to coolly clear off the line.

So close to a Liverpool goal!

Gallacher's shot is mis-hit and finds Kane free around eight yards out. The midfielder directs the ball goalwards, but Nyland produces a stunning reaction save to tip it over.

Super football from Liverpool!

Kane sprays it out to Elliott, who lifts a neat pass inside the Christie-Davies. The midfielder hooks a volley goalwards, but Nyland turns it wide.

A first real attack from Villa sees them win a free-kick down the left, which Hourihane whips in. 

Kelleher gets to it first to punch clear.

Liverpool go close twice!

Elliott glides in from the right wing and shoots powerfully, but Nyland turns it behind for a corner.

The Reds then keep the ball alive and Kane's effort from close range is saved by the 'keeper, before Elliott blasts into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Unlucky!

Great pressing from Longstaff and Hill forces Villa's 'keeper to pass straight to Christie-Davies.

He plays it to Kane, who shoots over the bar with his left foot.

Fantastic stuff from Liverpool.

Lovely football from the young Reds works an opening for Longstaff via a clever flick from Elliott, but the No.75 is called offside as he shoots.

Liverpool have started well here - the youngsters are certainly not looking overawed by the occasion in the early stages

And we're off - Villa get us started.

The teams are out and we're very close to getting under way.

Kick-off is just a few minutes away and the away end are making themselves heard here at Villa Park.

The lads survey the scene...

Inside the away dressing room...

TEAM NEWS

Tony Gallacher, Isaac Christie-Davies, Luis Longstaff, Morgan Boyes and Thomas Hill make their senior Liverpool debuts in tonight’s tie.

Pedro Chirivella is Reds captain.

Liverpool: Kelleher, Hoever, Boyes, Van den Berg, Gallacher, Chirivella, Christie-Davies, Kane, Longstaff, Hill, Elliott.

Substitutes: Winterbottom, Clayton, Dixon-Bonner, Bearne, Clarkson, Norris, Stewart.

'Liverpool are going to be a real threat'

So writes Villa boss Dean Smith in his programme notes...

"We know that it’s going to be a changed side from the one we faced here in November, but I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone connected with Liverpool Football Club who is with us this evening," Smith states.

"They’ve set the tone for everyone in the Premier League this season and even though the squad has been split between this tie and the Club World Cup in Qatar, we’re under no illusions that they are going to be a real threat regardless of who plays this evening – they proved that against Arsenal earlier on in this competition."

A cool, crisp December evening at Villa Park...

Stat

This will be the fourth occasion that Liverpool have played at Villa Park in the League Cup. They won each of the previous three, including a final replay against West Ham United in 1981.

The last eight

The other three Carabao Cup quarter-finals will be played on Wednesday night...

Pedro's motivation

Spanish midfielder Pedro Chirivella could be an experienced presence in the centre of the pitch this evening and the 22-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity.

"We've been talking about it for a long time," he said.

"We have a chance of playing and everyone is very excited - you can see that around training and around games. Finally the day has come and we are looking forward to it.

"Football is football and if we are playing for Liverpool it is because we are capable of playing football so it should be a great night for everyone."

The story so far..

An assured away win at MK Dons and a ridiculous thriller with Arsenal - won on penalties - brought the Reds to the last eight. Relive those two games in our highlights packages below...

Klopp keeping an eye

It will be coming up to 11pm local time in Qatar when the encounter at Villa Park gets under way but Klopp will be watching - and supporting - from afar.

"We start with watching the other [Club World Cup] semi-final live in the stadium, I think it should be possible. And then we will leave there a bit earlier and sit here in front of the television and watch that game," the boss told us on Monday.

"It will be absolutely exciting. I'm really delighted for the boys. 

"I know how a lot of people in the public see it, but if all the football games would be decided before we start, only because of the perception of the people, then most of the games wouldn't be played. I believe, I'm a big believer in everybody has a chance. 

"From the boys' point of view, if I would be in their boots I would be excited like hell, looking forward to it like hell, run for my life, all that stuff."

With Jürgen Klopp and the first-team squad out in Qatar to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup this week, U23s boss Neil Critchley will take charge of the Reds side for this clash.

He spoke to the media at Melwood yesterday - and you can catch up with his pre-match thoughts below...

Cup action

Welcome to our live matchday blog for Liverpool's Carabao Cup quarter-final tie with Aston Villa this evening.

We'll be bringing you all of the build-up, action and reaction from Villa Park as a youthful Reds side takes on Premier League opposition.