AcademyU21s match report: Liverpool secure impressive friendly victory over Celtic

The Reds raced into a healthy lead during the opening half, breaking the deadlock inside 15 minutes with a well-worked set-piece.

Wellity Lucky's header was initially saved but Kaide Gordon was on hand to slot home the rebound and begin the scoring.

A short while later, Gordon turned provider as he found Kieran Morrison outside the box, allowing the forward to curl a finish into the back of the net.

Gordon was again involved in Liverpool's third as the winger caused problems down the right flank, crossing low for Luca Stephenson, who saw his shot denied before Trent Kone-Doherty swept the ball in.

The lead was four by the half-hour mark, with Owen Beck seeing a low drive from distance deflect into the net, while Gordon went on to win a penalty and duly convert himself.

Beck was again on the scoresheet ahead of the interval, Lucky's inch-perfect ball over the top releasing the full-back in. He rounded the goalkeeper to tap home number six.

The Reds made a host of changes at the break, swapping their entire outfield line-up for the second half of the contest.

After the hour, they added to the scoreline via Keyrol Figueroa, who timed a run to perfection through the defence to race clear and finish well.

The scoring was then completed in the final minute of normal time, substitute Oakley Cannonier scrambling the ball home from in close after a good break from James Balagizi had allowed Lucas Pitt to cross from the left.

Liverpool U21s first half: Misciur, Mabaya, Lucky, Williams, Beck, Stephenson, Gordon, Pilling, Koumas, Morrison, Kone-Doherty.

Liverpool U21s second half: Misciur, Miles, Davidson (Pitt, 80), Pinnington, Nallo, Trueman, Ramsay, Laffey, Figueroa, Ahmed (Balagizi, 70), Onanuga (Cannonier, 70).