Joel Matip built up his match fitness as he helped Liverpool Under-23s clinch a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League Cup.

The former Schalke centre-back, who made his comeback as a late substitute in the Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Swansea on Saturday, got an hour under his belt at Prenton Park.

Matip hadn’t started for six weeks due to an ankle injury and his dispute with Cameroon over his availability, but he put that behind him as Mike Garrity’s side cruised to an emphatic win.

Paulo Alves fired them in front and Rhian Brewster capped an eye-catching debut for the U23s by grabbing the second.

A host of chances went begging before Ben Woodburn scored late on.

As well as Matip, there were starts for Alberto Moreno, Joe Gomez, Ben Woodburn, Kevin Stewart and Sheyi Ojo.

In fact, the only members of Garrity’s XI without first-team experience were keeper Kamil Grabara, Alves and Brewster.

Read more: Liverpool Echo

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