Steve Clarke: 'Sebastian Coates ready for first-team football'

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke says that new signing Sebastian Coates is ready to play in the Premier League.

The Reds acquired the Uruguay international from Nacional on Tuesday.

Former Chelsea assistant manager Clarke told Liverpool's official website: "He's a talented youngster and gives us different options at the back.

"We look to sign young players that can improve and we looked at his performances throughout the Copa America when he was named Young Player of the Tournament. It's certainly exciting"

Coates will already have some familiarity with Britain as his father hails from Scotland, and Clarke said that he is looking forward to chatting all things Scottish with the defender.

"I believe there is some Scottish heritage in him, so obviously Kenny and myself will do a bit of digging into his background," Clarke added.

"But it's too late, he can't play for Scotland because he's already capped for Uruguay."

The Reds next face a trip to Stoke on September 10.