Arne Slot says he was so impressed by James McConnell in Liverpool’s defeat at PSV in the Champions League that he will now not be leaving on loan.
The Reds suffered their first defeat in Europe this season as they were beaten 3-2 by the Dutch club, with all five goals coming in the first-half.
Slot fielded a much-changed team as qualification was already guaranteed and the loss made no difference as Liverpool still finished top of the group stage table.
The match was a chance for some youngsters to shine, including McConnell as the 20-year-old midfielder made his Champions League debut and played the whole match.
The Reds manager liked what he saw from the prospect who was signed from Sunderland in 2019 and has chosen to keep him around the first team for the rest of the season as a result.
Asked if any players are set to leave before the transfer window closes, Slot said he will speak to sporting director Richard Hughes, but he has made his mind up on McConnell.
‘There’s always a chance in life. And at the moment we have most of our players fit so we will have this discussion tomorrow I think between me and Richard (Hughes) about these players,’ said the Dutchman.
‘But there’s definitely one that will not go out on loan: James McConnell. I liked him a lot today. Maybe the end result today would be good for him to go and play but he is a player who hasn’t played a lot in the last six or seven months as he was injured for a while. He impressed me a lot today.
‘He is competitive in the training sessions we had, he is always very competitive. I’m not surprised, but you always wonder how you will react at this level.
‘James plays and is competitive. He definitely deserves credit for his performance today.’
McConnell made his Premier League debut last season under Jurgen Klopp but is yet to make a top flight appearance with Slot as manager.
He has turned out in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup so far this season and will be hoping that his performance in Eindhoven will afford him some more opportunities.
Liverpool are now safely into the last 16 of the Champions League, with the play-offs to come they can relax and wait for the draw for their next round which takes place on 21 February.
The draw for the knockout play-offs is held on 31 January, featuring the teams that finished 9-24 in the group stage.
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