KERK UP THE BUM

How left-back rival Robbo keeps pushing Milos on

- BY PAUL GORST

MILOS KERKEZ has revealed the Andy Robertson pep talk that helped him star for Liverpool in Saturday's Merseyside derby win over Everton.

Kerkez enjoyed a productive derby debut in the 2-1 victory, largely keeping Toffees dangerman Iliman Ndiaye subdued while contributing to a number of attacks to help Arne Slot's side maintain their 100 per cent start.

The £40m summer arrival from Bournemouth is competing for minutes with the long-serving Robertson, whose importance to the squad was formally recognised by Slot recently when he gave him the vice-captaincy following Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit.

And while Scotland skipper Robertson faces his biggest fight yet for his place at left-back - he is set to start against Southampton tonight - Kerkez has explained what his more experienced colleague said to him ahead of the win over the Blues.