Way forward for Divock Origi after scoring the winner against Everton

Jurgen Klopp believes Divock Origi is ready for the next episode of his Liverpool career after a intense Merseyside derby winner.

Origi came on as a substitute and scored in the sixth minute of injury time as the Reds got a 1-0 win over Everton at Anfield and that will boost him up to break in the first team.

The big Belgian was in the right place to head home after Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a hash of dealing with a scuffed shot from Virgil van Dijk that struck the crossbar.

Origi suffered an ankle injury during the derby in 2016 when fouled by Ramiro Funes Mori, an injury Klopp believes set back the striker's Liverpool career.

And the Reds boss revealed that evening was in his thoughts as he raced to congratulate the 23-year-old after the final whistle.

“I said it to him, when I went to him on the pitch I had it in my mind,” said Klopp.

“I've never forgot it since.

“Fouls and harsh tackles happen, but in his case it was so obvious that it was a break in his development.

“At that time he was outstanding. After that, it took a long time before he felt absolutely nothing.

“In the Europa League final (against Sevilla in 2016) he was somehow ready but not completely pain free. Then there was a tournament (Euro 2016) when he couldn't really show up there.

“It all changed a little bit (for him), you lose confidence and you don't play from here any more.”

Klopp added: “When Div played at that time he was an unbelievable threat, he had speed, he was strong, remember the Dortmund game and stuff like that.

“So it was always in my mind about Div, that night (against Everton). And coming on tonight, he can finish that book and from now on everything will be fine again.”

Origi, who came on in the 84 minute, was making only his second appearance for Liverpool in 15 months having spent last season on loan with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

And of the Belgian's late intervention his third goal in four derby appearances that keeps Liverpool two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Klopp said: “When the ball left Virgil's foot, I thought it was (going) over. Then you see there's backspin and the ball changes direction, hits the crossbar, and it was a very unthankful job for Pickford.

“Then Divock was there. It was a very intense game and obviously it is a much nicer finish for us.”

Origi's goal vs Everton