Liverpool kid Jones overcomes illness to leave Everton sick after stunning Mersey winner

JURGEN KLOPP hailed Liverpool’s heroic kids after Curtis Jones netted a Mersey derby stunner.

Local-lad Jones battled through illness to fire Klopp’s side in the FA Cup fourth round and become the Reds’ second youngest scorer against Everton, at 18 years and 340 days old.

Klopp rested NINE stars and fielded five teens but still KO’d Carlo Ancelotti’s strongest side.

The Anfield boss said: “It was a sensational game and a sensational goal from the Scouser. Who could ask for more?

“I loved each second, they played brave football.

“Unbelievable individual performances from the kids and the adults as well.

“The only thing I didn’t want was a draw. We had to take some risks and it paid off. Winning despite so many changes made it sweeter.

“You cannot perform like the boys performed if you think you should not be in the team.

“The goal was a stunner. I saw Curtis for the first time when he was 15 and I could see immediately he was something special.

“You need to be confident and he is — like Scousers usually are.”

Klopp’s 11th straight Merseyside derby without defeat came as Harvey Elliott became Liverpool’s youngest ever player to play in the FA Cup — and against Everton — at 16 years and 276 days.

But Liverpool-born Jones stole the show and then revealed he climbed off his sickbed to play.

The midfielder claimed the Anfield boss has made the next generation of stars feel invincible.

Jones croaked: “The gaffer’s strong on not showing you’re hurt and not showing when things are tough.

“So it’s only right I didn’t show I was ill.

“He has been massive in my development. He’s the perfect example for me to be around.

“Being a young lad and a local lad, playing for the club and the fans I love, it’s massive.

“Myself and rest of the younger lads went out and showed what a great bunch of talents we are and how we are trying to push for a spot in this team.

“To me, it’s the best team in the world.”

“I dream of a lot of things but this one was ahead of a dream.

“There are world-class players all over this team but I think I went out and showed what I could do. It’s massive for me and the rest of the young boys.”

The only downside for Liverpool was a hamstring injury to James Milner, which could sideline the 34-year-old midfielder for several weeks.

Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti was furious with his players for surrendering in the second half and moaned: “We lost intensity, energy and confidence.

“I’m not used to speaking to players after the game — but I’m going to speak to them about this.”