'Klopp's kids came of age in Liverpool comeback win - but Jota was the hero'

Diogo Jota put Liverpool into the EFL Cup semi final with a nerveless penalty conversion in a dramatic sudden death shoot out.

On a dramatic night when Jurgen Klopp's kids came of age with an astounding comeback as Leicester had led 2-0 and 3-1, it was the Portuguese who proved the inspiration.

Yet if his introduction as a second half sub turned the game, then the sheer majestic theatre of the night was undoubtedly provided by the never-say-die spirit of the young players Klopp clearly believes in.

He made 10 changes for their quarter final showdown with a virtually full strength Leicester side, and Jamie Vardy punished such impertinent inexperience with two fine goals in the first half.

But there was something in the Anfield air on a damp, freezing Mersey evening, and even when the quality of James Maddison had seemed to put the game beyond reach, they simply refused to be beaten.

Jota scored his 12th goal of the season as he sprang from the bench in the second half, and with the Kop suddenly in full voice and the kids on the charge, Taki Minamino set up that pulsating sudden death finale, with a 95th minute equaliser.

Minamino himself had the chance to win the penalty shoot out with the fifth penalty after young Reds keeper Caoimhin Kelleher had saved from Luke Thomas, but the Japan international blazed over.

No problem though, for Klopp's seemingly invincible Reds, even his shadow Reds. Kelleher saved again from Ryan Bertrand and Jota stepped up to convert the sixth penalty, and send Anfield into raptures.

It was no more than they deserved, for their sheer will alone, because with three teenagers starting amongst five youngsters, they had no right to defeat a Vardy-led Leicester.

In selecting a near first choice line up, it was clear visiting boss Brendan Rodgers, felt the EFL Cup offered the perfect chance to deliver the trophy which will perhaps make up for his side's indifferent Premier League form.

For Vardy, it was a chance to trade in the currency he knows best…goals. And against a makeshift Liverpool backline, teenagers Billy Koumieto and Conor Bradley thrown in at the deep end, it was easy - far too easy - pickings.

Within nine minutes of kick off, he had exploited that ruthlessly. As Liverpool carelessly gave the ball away in midfield, Maddison produced a delicious ball for the England striker to exploit Koumieto's bad positioning, and run through and finish with ease.

Four minutes later, he did it again, this time a swift break moving the ball efficiently to Daka, and his cross found Vardy blind side of the defence for another decisive finish.

Yet the Reds' attacking instinct remained intact, giving a packed Anfield something to shout about, as they refused to be beaten.

They rallied thanks to a fine finish from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on 19 minutes, but another mistake gave Leicester the ball in dangerous territory and Maddison sailed a 25 yard shot over the head of the flailing Kelleher into the roof of the net.

Klopp had seen enough and brought on the cavalry at half time, with Jota producing more menace up front, and Ibrahima Konate a little calm at the back.

And it was Jota who set up that grandstand finish with a clever shot after good work from Minamino, who saved the best til last with a goal that was his finest moment so far.