Jurgen Klopp 'delighted' as Liverpool's youngest ever team reaches FA Cup fifth round

A Ro-Shaun Williams own goal proved the difference in the replay at Anfield

Liverpool players Adam Lewis (C) and Neco Williams (L) celebrate after going 1-0 up through an own-goal by Shrewsbury Town. EPA

Jurgen Klopp was said to be "delighted" with the performance of Liverpool's youngsters after they stepped in for the senior side to lead the club past Shrewsbury Town and into the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night.

Klopp and his entire first team were all absent for the fourth round replay at Anfield as part of the club's winter break.

The Liverpool manager was criticised for disrespecting the FA Cup, but his youngsters proved up to the task and their mature display was rewarded when Ro-Shaun Williams headed the decisive own goal in the closing stages.

Liverpool will face Chelsea in the last 16 at Stamford Bridge in March as they remain on course for a potential treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Klopp had turned over the responsibility of leading Liverpool to the club's under-23 coach Neil Critchley, who also took charge when the Reds played an under-strength side for their League Cup quarter-final defeat at Aston Villa earlier this season.

On that occasion, Klopp had a better excuse for his absence as Liverpool were in Qatar on course to win the Club World Cup.

This time, it was purely his decision to ignore the FA Cup, but resting Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and company at least gave fans a glimpse of the next generation.

With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, it was Liverpool's youngest ever starting line-up in all competitions.

There were seven teenagers, including 16-year-old Harvey Elliott, while Pedro Chirivella was the oldest player in the team at 22. Liverpool-born teenager Curtis Jones became the club's youngest captain at 19 years and five days.

Liverpool had blown a two-goal lead in that original meeting, but several of these youngsters had helped stun Everton in the third round and once again they showcased their potential.

Despite dominating possession, Liverpool almost fell behind in the 58th minute when Shaun Whalley headed home, only to see VAR disallow the goal for offside against one of his teammates in the build-up.

Liverpool made the most of that escape to win it in the 75th minute.

Neco Williams' long pass looked harmless but Ro-Shaun Williams tried to head back to O'Leary and, with the Shrewsbury keeper way off his line, the ball looped over him into the empty net.

"The manager sent a message prior to the game with some words of advice and support, which was fantastic," Critchley said of his contact with Klopp.

"He is delighted with the performance. There was a message at half-time and at full-time. He said Chelsea away could be an opportunity for one or two of them and they put in a performance tonight."

Newcastle United also reached the last 16, for the first time since 2006, but were given a scare in the replay at third-tier Oxford.

Newcastle were 2-0 ahead through Sean Longstaff and Joelinton, but conceded goals in the 84th and then the fourth minute of stoppage time as Oxford took the game to extra time.

A brilliant solo goal by Allan Saint-Maximin in the 116th minute won it 3-2 for Newcastle, securing a match at second-tier West Bromwich Albion.

“When it went 2-2, I think everybody in the stadium and watching at home expected us to crumble,” Longstaff said. “But it just shows what we've got in the dressing room and a great spirit.”