Andoni Iraola retains Lewis Koumas for Liverpool first-team squad

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has integrated Lewis Koumas into the first-team squad for the current season after deciding against another loan spell for the midfielder. The 20-year-old had spent the previous two years at Stoke City, Hull City, and Birmingham City but demonstrated enough form during pre-season to satisfy his manager. Koumas has since appeared as a substitute in Premier League matches against Newcastle United and Ipswich Town and made his Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid. Iraola cited the player’s positional versatility across the forward line as a primary factor in his decision to keep him at Anfield. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister continues to feature for the squad following his winning goal against Atletico, while striker Alexander Isak is recovering fitness after missing time last season with a broken leg. Liverpool prepares to face Fulham in their upcoming fixture.

• 10:55 AMYahoo Sports — Iraola reveals why he fought to keep promising starlet at Liverpool