Thursday 29 October 2015 12:52, UK
Connor Randall says it was a 'dream come true' to make his first-team debut for Liverpool in the Capital One Cup win over Bournemouth.
Randall, who has been with the club since the age of six, played 90 minutes in the 1-0 win at Anfield that earned Liverpool a quarter-final draw against Southampton on December 2.
Cameron Brannagan and Joao Teixeira also made their first starts for the Reds, with the latter involved in the only goal of the game, scored by Nathaniel Clyne who had switched to left-back to accommodate Randall.
"That was a dream come true for me," Randall said. "To get the opportunity to play at Anfield in front of a packed crowd is something I've wanted ever since I was a little kid.
"That's what I've been working towards ever since I started off.
"I've been going to the academy since I was six and ever since that first day the ultimate goal has been to play for the first team.
"The manager gave me a lot of confidence. He told me that I deserved the chance and to make sure I went out there and enjoyed it, and not to think too much about it and to do what I do.
"The manager has shown lot of faith in us and gives us confidence and everyone is very grateful for the opportunities he has given us so far and hopefully we can keep impressing."
Recently-appointed Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was pleased with the young trio's performance as he gave some of his senior players a rest.
"I have been here round about two weeks and I saw these guys in training; not only them but Pedro (Chirivella) and (Jerome) Sinclair and most of the time they were with us for training," he said.
"For me it was clear the first chance I could give them I would do as some (senior) players needed the break not to play. These players I am completely sure they have the quality to help us and that is what they did."
