Danny Ings has been backed to continue his development with Liverpool by his England Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate.
The striker will join the Anfield club in July after his contract with Burnley expires, following an impressive two seasons at Turf Moor.
England v Belarus
A Vauxhall International
7.45pm, Thursday 11 June 2015
Oakwell, Barnsley FC
Live on BT Sport
Call 0871 2266777 for tickets
And having seen the 22-year-old’s progressing improvement at close quarters after first bringing him into the international set-up in October 2013, Southgate believes it is now the right time for him to make a step up.
"He’s very excited by it," he revealed, after Ings’ move to Merseyside was announced on Monday.
"He’s grown with us, in getting used to the style of play in international football as he hadn’t had any involvement with us until Under-21 level.
"He found it different and a good challenge at first but he’s a player that’s always wanting to learn and wanting to improve, he has a great mindset and I think some of his experiences with us will help him with the challenge at Liverpool."
Ings first came to Southgate’s attention during the early stages of the 2013-14 campaign, as Burnley launched their bid for promotion from the Championship.
He made his debut against San Marino on his first trip away with the U21s and opened his England account against the same opponents in November 2013.
From there he went on to help fire Sean Dyche’s side into the top-flight. A feat that saw him named as the Championship’s player of the season.
And after reaching double-figures for the Clarets in his debut season in the Premier League, Southgate has backed the former AFC Bournemouth youngster to succeed at Anfield.
"He’s proved he can score goals in the Premier League, in a side that weren’t creating as many chances as perhaps Liverpool will create," he added.
"It’s a great opportunity for him and I know he’s very proud and excited about it.
"Burnley has been a fantastic grounding for him, the ethos of the manager [Dyche] and the way he demands that players learn and improve every day has rubbed off on Danny.
"They’ve given him a great opportunity and he’s rewarded them with two fantastic seasons in terms of performances and goals.
"It’s always a shame when that parting comes, but now he’s probably ready for a new challenge and I’m sure Burnley will wish him well."
Southgate’s team will face their final warm-up game for next week’s Euro Finals on Thursday when they entertain Belarus at Barnsley’s Oakwell.
Tickets for the game are on sale now, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. You can purchase them online by clicking here.
