A debut strike from 17-year-old Jordan Rossiter has given Liverpool a 1-0 lead over Middlesbrough at the halfway stage of their League Cup tie this evening.

David Ayala threatened early on for the visitors as he rose highest to meet a corner, before seeing his header saved by Simon Mignolet.

The Reds took the lead in the 10th minute when Rickie Lambert saw his effort saved and Rossiter followed up to slot the rebound into the net.

Midway through the half Liverpool threatened again, with Adam Lallana creating some space in the midfield before firing a strike wide of the target.

Lee Tomlin had Middlesbrough's best chance of the game with six minutes of the first half left to play, but his powerful strike was saved by the keeper as the hosts held on to take their lead into the break.