After a nightmare loan period at promotion-chasing West Ham United, the reserve team coach was only too happy tro see his prodighy announce his return to Merseyside in such emphatic style.
McAuley, speaking to the club's official website, said: "Neil is back! He's back in town as they say scoring goals and it's what he does best. That's Neil he scores goals.
"He showed some good movement out there and he took his goals very well and I am delighted for him.
"Neil is pleased to be back with us and he's enjoying his training and hopefully he can get fitter as the season goes on.