Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold ready to replace injured Nathaniel Clyne: 'I try not to pay too much respect to players I am against'

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Trent Alexander-Arnold's rise into Liverpool's first-team could continue on Saturday against Watford, and the 18-year-old is raring for Premier League action.

With Nathaniel Clyne a big doubt for the club's season-opener at Vicarage Road due to hamstring and back issues which have blighted his pre-season, Jurgen Klopp must consider Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez or Jon Flanagan to fill the void.

After an impressive pre-season run which saw him impress against Franck Ribery in a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich, Alexander-Arnold is the favourite.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be phased if he starts for Liverpool at Watford on Saturday

The 18-year-old right-back has produced some impressive displays during pre-season

'I'll be fighting for that position as will all the other lads,' Alexander-Arnold told the Echo. 'If the chance comes, I'll be ready. If there is an opportunity you have to take it. If I get told I am playing against Watford I will look to take that chance.'

The right-back, who made his Premier League debut at Old Trafford against Manchester United last season, believes his display against Bayern can be used as a springboard for the upcoming season.

And while Alexander-Arnold enjoyed testing himself against a name as accomplished as Ribery, he did not seek the Frenchman out for a memento after the match.

'The whole game was tough for all of us,' Alexander Arnold said. 'They are excellent. We’ve been trying to put into practice all the things we’ve been doing in training and particularly against Bayern you could see from our attacking play that there are a lot of exciting things to come.”

First choice right-back Nathaniel Clyne (centre) has struggled for fitness due to injuries

Alexander-Arnold is eyeing more first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp this season

'I just went straight into the changing room (after the match) because that is what I am used to doing. I try not to pay too much respect to the players I am playing against.'

Alexander-Arnold has extra motivation to gain more of a first-team role under Klopp after skipping the England Under 19 European Championship glory to focus on pre-season training.

'I featured a lot during the qualifying games but to not be there to lift the trophy with them hurt a little bit,' he said.