Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders has confirmed that Sepp van den Berg has been granted permission to face his parent club in the EFL Cup.

The Dutch defender joined Preston North End on loan during the winter transfer window, with the Deepdale outfit set to face the Reds in Wednesday's last-16 clash.

Van den Berg has established himself as a regular for Preston over the past couple of months, and Lijnders is looking forward to seeing the 19-year-old in action on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, Lijnders said: "Yes, of course he should play. It's like, if you want to be a chef, you need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen!

"So, what would our message be if we sent our players on loan to get good games and then there's a good game coming and not letting them play? We want to give young players opportunities and for Sepp it is an amazing game. I am in contact with him, he looks forward to it and that's probably the most important thing.

"It's exactly what he needed; a young centre-half who is playing in a different position but is fighting in the Championship. If you can come out of that league you will be ready for a lot. We can't wait to see him in pre-season next year."

Van den Berg has started 13 Championship games for Preston on the right-hand side so far this season, chalking up one goal against Swansea City.