Rio Ngumoha applauds the Liverpool fans his star showing in the 3-1 FA Cup victory at Wolves(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Shortly before his near 70-minute cameo came to an end here at Molineux, Rio Ngumoha, as he prepared to take possession for the umpteenth time of the night, was given a direct instruction from Virgil van Dijk.

The 17-year-old, who was a constant thorn in the side of Wolves' back line all night - and Jackson Tchatchoua in particular - was implored by his captain to "run him" as he once more gathered the ball at his feet.

It spoke to the growing confidence from within the team itself around Ngumoha's capabilities - and it was easy to see why after the England Under-19 international was finally let off the leash to help seal a 3-1 win and progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

This was the sort of performance that vindicated those who have been advocating for Ngumoha to feature more prominently in recent weeks. After Jamie Carragher called for it following the 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Steven Gerrard added his name to the list on...