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Chris Coleman feels he has been proven correct over Ben Woodburn despite Jurgen Klopp's reservations

Wales' Ben Woodburn during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group D match against Austria
Image: Wales' Ben Woodburn has been the talk of the Principality after his contributions this week

Wales boss Chris Coleman feels he has been proven correct to give Ben Woodburn his international chance despite Jurgen Klopp's reservations.

Liverpool teenager Woodburn has been a sensation in his first two Wales games when he has been used as a second-half impact substitute.

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Sam Allardyce and Craig Bellamy join Geoff Shreeves on The Debate and discuss Wales' next big star, Ben Woodburn. How far can the Liverpool youngster go?

The 17-year-old scored a superb winner against Austria on Saturday just 261 seconds after stepping off the bench to make his debut.

Then, on Tuesday night, he turned provider with a brilliant run and cross for Hal Robson-Kanu to break the deadlock in Wales' 2-0 win in Moldova.

Those victories have put Wales back into World Cup qualifying contention - but Coleman admits Liverpool boss Klopp was concerned by Woodburn being thrust on to the international stage at such a tender age.

"Jurgen felt it was a bit early for Ben [playing for Wales] but we've all got opinions, which is what is great about football," Coleman said.

Ben Woodburn of Wales (22) scores their first goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Austria at Cardiff City Stadium
Image: Woodburn scores the winning goal against Austria

"I felt that if he was in the first team for Liverpool, and he is, he scored that great debut goal at the Kop end, then he was ready. We weren't going to start him in both games and play him for 90 minutes.

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"We were going to be choosy with when we use him, but he's a good young talent that's for sure."

Klopp expressed his exasperation with the Wales management in March when Woodburn was first called into the senior squad for a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

Asked if he had spoken to Coleman about Woodburn's call-up, Klopp said: "Actually I was surprised by this. I don't know exactly how it's normal here.

"This should not be a criticism, but usually when you call up a player, a 17-year-old player, I thought it would be possible to call me."

HONG KONG, HONG KONG - JULY 22: Liverpool FC forward Ben Woodburn in action during the Premier League Asia Trophy match between Liverpool FC and Leicester
Image: Woodburn in action for Liverpool during the Asia Trophy this summer

Woodburn made nine appearances in his breakthrough season at Anfield last term when he became Liverpool's youngest-ever goalscorer - at 17 years and 45 days - in an EFL Cup tie against Leeds.

But he has not been part of any Liverpool matchday squad this season, and it remains to be seen whether the Reds will sanction a loan spell for the striker to get game-time.

Coleman said: "It will be up to Jurgen and Ben on how far or close he is to the first team. What we've seen is that he is a very bright player and he's certainly shown enough with us again.

"Whatever is the next six or 12 months will be up to Jurgen and Ben himself.

"He's used to working with really good defenders every day at Liverpool. But there's nothing that prepares you for a 90 minutes out there, it's completely different."

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