SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - Tuesday, August 25, 2020: Liverpool's Neco Williams during a preseason friendly match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Liverpool FC at the Red Bull Arena. (Pic by Propaganda)

Ryan Giggs admits Neco Williams will “have to deal with” criticism at “big club” Liverpool

Ryan Giggs expects Neco Williams to bounce back from fierce social media abuse by flourishing with Wales.

Williams suffered an online backlash after Liverpool’s 7-2 Carabao Cup win at Lincoln and responded by blacking out the profile and background pictures on his Twitter account.

Liverpool number two Pep Lijnders said manager Jurgen Klopp, skipper Virgil van Dijk and first-choice full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson had spoken to Williams after the Lincoln game to offer their support.

“All you can do is surround yourself with good people, educate yourself as much as you can when it comes to social media, and then it’s your choice whether you want to be a part of it or not,” Wales manager Giggs said ahead of Thursday’s friendly with England.

“I do sometimes think whether I would have been on social media [in my playing days], I’m not too sure. But it’s part and parcel of life now.

“He’s at Liverpool, when you are at a big club you are going to have to take criticism at some point if you set a certain standard and you drop below it. Even for 10 minutes.

“It’s something you have to deal with when you are at big clubs.”

CARDIFF, WALES - Sunday, September 6, 2020: Wales' Neco Williams celebrates after scoring the winning goal in injury time to seal a 1-0 victory during the UEFA Nations League Group Stage League B Group 4 match between Wales and Bulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Williams made enough appearances for Liverpool last season to earn a Premier League winners’ medal.

The 19-year-old made his Wales debut as a substitute in Finland last month and then came off the bench to score the Nations League winner against Bulgaria – his first goal in senior football.

He could now be in line to make his first Wales start against England on Thursday.

“Having just worked with Neco, he’s got a sensible head on his shoulders,” said Giggs.

“I’m looking forward to working with Neco again. He was great to work with and the qualities he showed in the games as well.”