Ings: I've missed that scoring feeling
Danny Ings was delighted to put his injury nightmare behind him by netting the winner in the 1-0 friendly victory over Tranmere Rovers on Friday night.
Liverpool's No.28 was handed the captain's armband for the second 45 minutes at Prenton Park as Jürgen Klopp changed his entire XI after the interval.
The striker celebrated by drilling home a brilliant finish in the 79th minute, set up courtesy of confident approach play by 17-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Having enjoyed a bright start to his Anfield career following a move from Burnley last summer, Ings suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Klopp's first week as manager.
He returned as a substitute during the final Premier League game of last season, at West Bromwich Albion, and has since worked tirelessly to build up his fitness with help from the club's medical team.
Free video: Watch Ings' winner at Tranmere
“It was good, a relief,” Ings told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.
“Obviously I made my comeback against West Bromwich Albion but I felt like tonight was more of a comeback for me.
“I got through 45 minutes unscathed, I felt sharp and I got a goal. I probably should have scored more but it's all about my knee at the moment and getting 45 minutes under my belt.
“It's been a tough six or seven months for me and Joe [Gomez] but it was a relief when I saw the ball hit the back of the net and then the reaction of the crowd. I've not had that feeling for a long time and every striker loves that, he thrives off it.
“It's that moment when everything else goes out of your head when you are scoring goals, whether it be in a friendly or a cup final – it's still the same to me.
“I've missed it like crazy. I can't explain how much I've missed it but as I've said, it's a big relief to be back with the lads and scoring goals.”
The Englishman is now a man on a mission, aiming to build on his hard work and play a part in what he hopes will be an exciting campaign ahead.
“I'm good to go now,” he added. "I did a bit of extra work over the summer and I managed to find the right balance between having a break, because I've worked extremely hard these last six months to get in this position.
“I'm good to go and available. Hopefully I can build on tonight, keep my fitness going, get more minutes for the club and score as many goals as I can. I'm excited.”
Ings also gave his reaction to the news from earlier in the day that Klopp had extended his contract as Reds boss.
"You see how positive he is about the place and his humour,” said the striker.
“He's a great asset for Liverpool Football Club and he's great for us lads to work for.”