Liverpool youngster Brooks Lennon tipped to replace injury-stricken Danny Ings

Liverpool may have been left reeling from the news that Danny Ings has suffered his second serious knee injury in the space of 13 months, which will force the England international to miss the rest of the season, but they have been given reason to believe his absence will not be keenly felt. Brooks Lennon eased the concerns surrounding Ings by scoring in his third home appearance in a row as the Reds' Under-23 side drew with Porto in their Premier League International Cup clash at Prenton Park.

The American pulled the hosts level when he received Mark Grujic's pass, cut inside and bent the ball impressively into the far corner, after Omar Garcia's free-kick had given the Portuguese side the lead. Lennon has been on a hot streak of late and also scored in the recent Premier League 2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, with this latest effort another example of his undoubted talent.

Coming on the day Ings' absence for between seven and nine months was confirmed, the contribution was all the more timely and Lennon is expected to assume his injured teammate's position for Liverpool's youth team – in an effort to be recognised at senior level. Ings' only two appearances under Jurgen Klopp this term came via the EFL Cup and he could yet propel himself into contention for the fifth round tie against Leeds United on 29 November.

"Brooks took a lot from working with and watching Danny," coach Michael Beale told the Liverpool Echo. "I was pleased that Brooks got a goal. Initially, I thought he had taken the wrong choice coming back inside but he finished it very well. He has scored in a lot of the bigger games – Wolfsburg, Everton and now Porto. That's a nice sign at this level.

Talking about Ings, the Liverpool academy boss added: "It was difficult for the lads to hear. We've got players in our squad who have had long-term injuries too. Danny is such a nice person. You've seen the outcry from football fans in general, not just Liverpool fans. I actually said that to Danny. He's really well thought of in football in general. I'm devastated for him. What words can you say? He was a shining example to our young lads."

Klopp has been handed at least one fitness boost this week after James Milner was pictured in training after missing the win over Crystal Palace. The former England international was absent from Liverpool's trip to Selhurst Park due to illness but played a full part in training on Tuesday (1 November) ahead of the visit of Watford to Anfield this weekend.