A brief look beyond Mohamed Salah’s landmark performance against Watford has reaffirmed the wide-spread desire among Liverpool fans to see Danny Ings succeed.
The striker replaced Roberto Firmino just over 10 minutes from time to produce a refreshingly sharp cameo at Anfield.
Twice Ings was denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, with Salah following up the second to notch his fourth goal of the game.
Besides injecting an immediate set of fresh legs in Liverpool’s high press, the Englishman shed glimpses of his intelligence in the final third.
A succession of well-timed incisive runs deserved to be rewarded with his name on the score-sheet.
Having endured a torrid time with injuries during his first two years at the club, Ings has since plied his trade admirably in the U23s and carved a way back into first team contention.
His work ethic alone has warranted him the backing of Jurgen Klopp and the time he needs to rediscover his top form.
Saturday’s encouraging performance follows up his Champions League debut as a second-half substitute in the last 16 first leg against Porto as minor but personally meaningful beacons of progression.
The reaction throughout Anfield to his saved efforts summed up how eager Reds are to see him find the net again.
Here’s what fans had to say after the game…
Big shout out for this lad today. Worked hard through two bad injuries and looked very sharp today. Well in Danny lad. @IngsDanny pic.twitter.com/8I8G9oFcJu
— “YNWA” LFC Story (@LFCHistoryShow) March 17, 2018
Danny Ings has a future at our club. Anyone who thinks otherwise clearly doesn’t remember what he was like before his injuries and needs to slap themselves in the face with a closed fist.
— Scouse Red (@ThatAnfieldRoar) March 18, 2018
Why spend £30m+ on a player to sit on the bench? Danny Ings is ideal for what we need right now. It’s certainly not an area that we should prioritise.
— Matt (@FalseFirmino) March 18, 2018
It’s all about Salah today , rightfully so . But how impressive was Danny Ings after he came on . Deserve a goal.
.— LiverbirdOnMyChest (@LVBirdOnMyChest) March 18, 2018
I have no doubt in my mind if @IngsDanny was leading the line every week he’d be banging goals for us so unlucky last night #LFC
— Glyn (@GCR_1984) March 18, 2018
The Kop every time Danny Ings touches the ball pic.twitter.com/3UEWcsxLpt
— Ü (@ThoseScouseLads) March 7, 2018
Would i be mad in saying #LFC don’t need to sign another striker. It’s early days, and he’s probably not 100% PL match fit, but from what i saw of @IngsDanny when he came on yesterday, he could really be a viable option feeding off Mane/Salah
— Dave LFC ⚽ (@DaveMCLondon) March 18, 2018
So thrilled to see @IngsDanny looking sharp and dangerous again, made lovely runs giving options to the others.
— Ians mustache (@RalfJunvald) March 18, 2018
What a great cameo off the bench from Danny Ings, looked very sharp and lively, he could be really useful for us in this last few weeks of the season.
— Sye Law (@syelaw) March 17, 2018
Some people have no idea what Ings has went through, to keep fighting and coming back both mentally and physically is just immense, love you @IngsDanny
— AnfieldsKopArmy (@AnfieldsKopArmy) March 17, 2018
SEE MORE:
Klopp’s reason for subbing Firmino says it all about the Brazilian…