Andoni Iraola will be pondering over the team that he picks for Liverpool's clash with Brighton, with the Reds set for a tough challenge against the Seagulls at Anfield

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has backed Rio Ngumoha to start for Liverpool against Brighton, stating that it would be a "real shame" if he didn't.

It follows an impressive performance from the winger in the Champions League on Tuesday, as he stood up to show his quality time and again against Villarreal. While the Reds had struggled to get going in the opening 35 minutes, it was Ngumoha who lifted the crowd off its feet with his ability to drive at the opposition.

He was rewarded for his showing with two assists, setting up Ronald Araujo and Alexis Mac Allister in a 4-3 comeback victory on the night. The 18-year-old was met with a standing ovation when he made his way off the pitch at Anfield, with repeated chants of his name showing exactly how the home crowd felt about him.

It was yet another step in the right direction for the youngster, who is showing that he can mix with the physicality of the senior game, while he looks to prove himself at the highest level.

It's unclear whether he has done enough to earn back-to-back starts for the side, with the challenge of Brighton coming up this weekend that will truly test him and the rest of his teammates.

However, there are several injury concerns that could play a part in any decision. Victor Munoz missed out in midweek through a knee injury, and he hasn't been spotted back in training since, while Bradley Barcola has been on an individual recovery program in recent days.

It's unclear whether either star will feature, but regardless of their availability, Shearer has backed Ngumoha to start again. Speaking to Betfair, he said: "Even in the first half an hour against Villarreal, he [Ngumoha] was the only player in a red shirt who was performing well. He was positive. He ran with his defender on toast. Everything he did was exciting, you know.

"We could hear the crowd. Every time he got the ball, there was an anticipation and a demand for him to get out the fullback. So, he was very good in the first half, but even better in the second half.

"I mean, some of his runs and his assist for Mac Allister was superb. The question is does he play him at the weekend against Brighton because of Munoz and because of Barcola? I think it would be a real shame if he didn't after that performance. I know the caliber of those two, but if it was me, I'd leave him in there. I think he deserves to start this weekend.

"They've got a phenomenal talent there, and I know he's only eighteen years of age, but there's just something about giving a youngster the freedom to go and play and do what he wants.

"I know the pressures, and I know what comes next, and the demand is that you've got to be on the pitch on a regular basis, which then becomes tough, you know."

It remains to be seen whether Iraola will call upon Ngumoha to replicate his heroics from midweek or not, but the winger has certainly made a good case to do so.

Brighton will prove to be a different type of test, and while there will be players worth millions in the frontline that could make the difference, perhaps the spontaneity of the youngster could be the real difference on the day.