Liverpool cruised into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup as fit-again Daniel Sturridge inspired a stunning 6-1 win at Southampton.

The striker scored two elegant goals to put his team in control after Sadio Mane had headed Southampton into a first-minute lead.

With a hat-trick from Divock Origi – his first goals for the club – and a further finish from substitute Jordon Ibe, Klopp’s team secured their place in the competition’s final four and moved the manager ever nearer his first major trophy at the club.

Here are five things we learned from Wednesday’s clash at St Mary’s.

Daniel Sturridge back with a bang… now can Liverpool keep him fit?

Having come on as a substitute in the Premier League win over Swansea on Saturday Daniel Sturridge made his first start since October 4. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (left) passes a drink to striker Daniel Sturridge during the match

He was certainly back with a bang. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, having questioned the striker’s pain threshold last week, saw exactly what the England star is capable of. 

Sturridge has now scored more domestic goals (four) than Wayne Rooney (three) despite spending most of this season on the treatment table.

Can he keep him fit, though? If he can the Kop — and Roy Hodgson — will be delighted. 

Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana all smiles despite the jeers

Unforgiving bunch the Southampton fans, aren’t they? It was boos all round for Dejan Lovren and former skipper Adam Lallana as they returned to St Mary’s. 

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana challenges Jordy Clasie during the Capital One Cup quarter-final

The pair swapped the south coast for Merseyside before the start of last season along with Rickie Lambert and Saints fans were furious at the time. 

Obviously nothing much has changed. Lallana did earn rapturous applause from home fans in the 11th minute, but only after smashing a Liverpool corner out for a throw-in. 

Rookie defender Connor Randall takes chance to shine

Know much about Connor Randall, Liverpool’s right-back? If not, here’s a quickfire a guide to the Reds’ 20-year-old defender. 

Wearing the No 56, Randall was making only his second appearance for the club, his first coming in the Capital One Cup win over Bournemouth in October. 

Liverpool defender Connor Randall made only his second appearance for the club at Southampton 

Randall previously captained Liverpool’s Under-18 side before his promotion into the Under-21 set up in 2013.

He spent a period on loan at Shrewsbury in January, but only made one appearance for the club before returning to Anfield. Randall is a former England Under-17 international.

Sadio Mane strikes early but Southampton lose their way

Imagine being a Southampton supporter turning up late. 

Not only would you have gone home miserable after watching Ronald Koeman’s men dumped out of the Capital One Cup; you had also missed the brightest moment of your team’s night after Sadio Mane put Southampton ahead after just 39 seconds. 

Sadio Mane put Southampton ahead after just 39 seconds but it was all downhill from then on

Not that it’s any consolation for Mane, Koeman or Saints fans; but the forward’s early goal was the quickest of the tournament so far this season.

Divock Origi finally delivers and boosts attacking options

 Divock Origi has taken a while to settle in at Liverpool, however we finally saw a few positive signs.

A hat-trick — his first goals for the club — will mean the world to the Belgium international, but his overall performance will have Jurgen Klopp salivating.

Divock Origi scored a hat trick – his first goals for the club – as Liverpool ran riot at Southampton

There was pace, power and an excellent finish on display for his first goal. With Origi, Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke all firing, Klopp now has real options in attack.

Perhaps there’s no need for a transfer splurge on a new striker.