Ole's update on Donny and Brandon

The Norwegian manager faced the media on Friday afternoon, ahead of the Reds' meeting with the Hornets for a third-round clash at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday.

Ole confirmed that Donny van de Beek will be one of the players to face Watford. Since arriving from Ajax in the summer, the midfielder has provided two goal involvements (goals and assists) in the red shirt, and the elegant Dutch international will be looking to add to that tally this weekend.

Ronald de Boer, the twin brother of Netherlands’ national team head coach Frank de Boer, has suggested that our no. 34 needs to play more games, but Ole was quick to respond to those comments and reiterate van de Beek's importance to the squad. 

“I’ve answered this question so many times,” the manager emphasised.

“There are so many examples of players needing a little bit of time – quality players. We have many players ourselves and there are other clubs with examples. Sometimes it takes time. You don’t expect people who care for him to be quiet at times, especially when they want the best for them.

“Donny is going to play tomorrow. There’s another chance for him. Yes, I've spoken to him and reiterated and made him aware how much we rate him. But he'll play tomorrow, and that's a good chance to kick on.”

Our boss was also questioned about Brandon Williams. The right-footed defender has normally been deployed as a left-back under Ole but has not had as many opportunities so far this season, featuring just five times.

"With the signing of Alex Telles and the form of Luke Shaw, he's not really had a look in at left-back this season, Brandon," Ole explained.

"He played last season... I think he played in all three semis, in the semi-final of the Europa League, FA Cup, in the Carabao Cup, and he's had a great rise, a great first season. This season's been more difficult for him."

Despite a lack of game time, our manager has been impressed with our Academy product’s work ethic and desire to get back in the first XI.

“I think he's put his head down, worked really hard lately. He will be involved tomorrow. He's in the squad. And he's shown me that he's got the desire to fight through this. That's the biggest thing, you know?

“When you find your first big contract, you do well, can you bounce back after not being in the team as much? And Brandon has showed that lately, so hopefully he'll just keep carrying on as he does. He knows my view on it. He knows my view on him, and we believe in the boy.”