Liverpool striker Danny Ings scored a sensational diving header for Liverpool Under-23s in a 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Ings, who has found first team football hard to come by since Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers last year, is doing his utmost to force himself back into the reckoning.

Playing alongside a host of academy players, Ings bagged a brace as Liverpool ran out comfortable winners at Prenton Park.

Supported by the likes of Kevin Stewart, captain Harry Wilson, Corey Whelan and Tiago Ilori, fellow youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed throughout and chipped in with the game’s third goal.

After opening the scoring, Ings stole the headlines by channeling his inner-Robin Van Persie by scoring a sensational diving header:

MORE : Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Danny Ings is very close to being given the nod

Liverpool Under023 squad

Grabara, Alexander-Arnold, Randall, Ilori (Brewitt 85), Whelan, Stewart, Wilson, Chirivella, Ings, Ejaria (Brannagan 72), Woodburn (Lennon 76).

Subs: Lennon, Firth, Maguire.

Goals: Ings (47, 64), Alexander-Arnold (73).

Ings is currently down the pecking order behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino in the first team but Klopp admitted the England man is playing his way back into the team.

‘Danny is working hard and good, but the situation is like it is – we have a lot of strikers,’ said Klopp.

‘He is close… what can I say? He is a wonderful boy.

‘It’s not the easiest thing when a player works really hard and then he is not involved, so of course you want to give the player something back for the unrest.

‘It is not always possible – but as soon as it is possible, I will pay back.’

MORE : Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wanted more from his side against Hull – even though they won 5-1