Liverpool midfielder praised for apologising to team-mates after penalty controversy

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has hailed the maturity of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson after he helped his side come from behind to secure a 3-3 at Kilmarnock on Saturday. The 20-year-old sealed a season-loan switch to the Tangerines after spending last term on loan at League Two Barrow.

Stephenson has started six of Dundee United's games so far this season but was somewhat responsible for the League Cup quarter-final defeat to Motherwell earlier this month as his foul on Moses Ebiye allowed Lennon Miller to convert a penalty and confine United to a 2-1 defeat at Fir Park.

On Saturday afternoon, however, Stephenson made his mark at the right end of the pitch as he assisted United forward Louis Moult for the opener against Kilmarnock before winning a late penalty that saw Ross Graham earn his side a 3-3 draw at The Rugby Stadium after falling 3-1 behind early in the second half.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer saga goes full circle as Arne Slot offered Andre insight

READ MORE: National media react to Liverpool 'contract killers' as 'ruthless' trait exposed

And, after the game, Dundee manager Goodwin hailed the mentality of the Reds loanee as he revealed he had apologised to his team-mates for his tackle that resulted in defeat at Motherwell last week.

"With the penalty, it's clever from Luca Stephenson to get himself goal side of the Kilmarnock defender, who is ball watching a bit and there is contact with his left calf which leads to the penalty," said Goodwin. "Stephenson held his hands up in the dressing room after that rash decision at Fir Park last weekend (to give away a penalty). Nobody in their career has probably done it as much as I have so I have every sympathy for him but he's man enough to own up to it.

"The players and the staff all got round him and picked his head up and he showed a positive reaction today. We've got to remember the boy's age as well and where he's come from. He's had a great education at Liverpool and we're hoping to continue that. He'll learn from situations like that and games like today are important moments in all the players' careers as well."