'Woodburn can shine in Carabao Cup tie'

The 17-year-old grabbed the headlines during the last international break when he scored the winning goal against Slovakia on his Wales debut and Liverpool's youngster ever goalscorer could feature in the Reds' Carabao Cup third round match at Leicester City on Tuesday.

"As you can see from his goal for Wales, he's absolutely top notch," said Thompson. "It's all about your composure and accepting your chance without letting it get to you and I think he's got all of that.

"You see young players snatching at chances but he was cool and composed for Wales. You could see he's got the right temperament and you just hope he gets the playing time.

"I would imagine he will get another run out on Tuesday. You would think even more of the fringe players will come in back in for this one and you'd think that Woodburn would be a starter.

"Liverpool have built up more of a squad so there's been games he's not been in the matchday squad this season but these will be the sort of games he'll be pinpointing as his chances."

Thompson believes that Woodburn has what it takes to continue his rapid rise but warned that Premier League opportunities may not come quickly so the youngster will need to be patient.

The former England international coached Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen at Liverpool, both players who made big impacts at a young age, but he says the attacking players the club currently have in their ranks means Woodburn must bide his time.

"You can see the comparisons with Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler but I do just fear it is hard for him to get the game time. Daniel Sturridge is struggling to get in the team so it's extremely difficult," said Thompson.

"I think he's got a really big future but he's got to be patient. He is only 17 and it's no good getting upset because he's not getting games.

"He seems a grounded lad and he needs to be aware that it is just part of his process. Liverpool needed Owen when he was 17 because they didn't really have anyone else but Klopp has Roberto Firmino, Sturridge and Dominic Solanke, but I think giving Woodburn a chance is one of the reasons they let Divock Origi go [out on loan]."