Andy Robertson sends message to Milos Kerkez after first big Liverpool setback

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Search Milos Kerkez was hauled off before half-time during Liverpool's 1-0 win at Burnley on Sunday, with Andy Robertson replacing him.

Andy Robertson has leapt to the defence of Milos Kerkez (Image: Getty Images)

Andy Robertson has rushed to defend left-back rival Milos Kerkez following the £40million man's torrid afternoon at Burnley.

Kerkez was hauled off before the interval on Sunday with Liverpool manager Arne Slot later confessing he withdrew the summer signing from Bournemouth to avoid a red card after he had already been cautioned for simulation.

Robertson, who has surrendered his regular starting berth to Kerkez this campaign, came on for the 20-year-old and eventually guided Liverpool to a 1-0 triumph that established a three-point advantage at the Premier League summit.

"He has come in and was fantastic for Bournemouth last season," said Robertson.

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"He's only young and I think we forget that, all the new signings are young but have incredible potential and they are the future of the club and you try to help them as much as you can.

He has a fantastic future ahead of him and he just needs to keep working hard and not let (Sunday) affect him, which it won't as he's a confident lad.

"I'll help him as much as I can but I do want to play games and be the starting left-back and I have got to keep pushing to try to produce the levels I know I can do as well."

Robertson continued: "The international break was good for me as I was able to get two 90 minutes and get that match fitness and two really good results for Scotland and I took a lot of confidence from that.

Milos Kerkez suffered his first Liverpool setback at Burnley (Image: Getty Images)

"(At Burnley) you just have to be ready to be there at any moment, probably a bit earlier than expected but when you get booked in a game like this it is always difficult."

Robertson required several months to find his feet at Anfield following his arrival from Hull City eight years ago, and understands the challenges now confronting Kerkez.

He continued: "It's a massive jump.

There are a lot more eyes on you in a Liverpool jersey than it is than those two clubs.

"He has transitioned well, there's a lot of information and a lot of different ways of playing and he just needs to keep going and keep his confidence.

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"We'll try to help him and others throughout the season and I have no doubt in the future he will be a fantastic left-back for Liverpool and that's the main thing."

Robertson will now be pushing for his first start of the campaign when Atletico Madrid - who showed interest in securing the 31-year-old's signature during the recent transfer window - arrive for Wednesday evening's Champions League opener.