CAPTAIN'S KERK ON STAR TREK

The final affrontier? Skipper Virgil now dishes out regular praise - not rockets - to out-of-this-world Milos

- BY IAN DOYLE

IT HAD become a snapshot of the struggle for Liverpool's new-look side during the difficult autumn months.

But the change in fortunes for both team and player mean any on-field messages directed from skipper Virgil van Dijk towards Milos Kerkez are now more likely to be complimentary than critical.

Kerkez continued his impressive recent form with a man-of-the-match display in helping the Reds see off Brighton to progress to the FA Cup fifth round.

The left-back's Anfield journey has not been the most straightforward since arriving for £40m from Bournemouth in the summer as the long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

But Van Dijk believes Kerkez, who created the opener against Brighton for Curtis Jones, is starting to adapt to the unique demands of playing for Liverpool.

"It is pretty clear you definitely see an improvement," said the Dutchman.

"He is still so young and is getting used to being a Liverpool player, it is a lot more than kick a ball on the pitch, especially when the team has been inconsistent - it's not easy to play your best games.