Joe Gomez returns to action for Liverpool U23s after injury lay-off
Thursday 24 November 2016 09:01, UK
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez made his return to competitive action as the Reds' U23 side defeated Burnley 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Senior Cup on Wednesday night.
The 19-year-old, who has not played since suffering a cruciate ligament injury while with the England U21 squad last October, played the full 90 minutes at Kirby and provide an assist for Liverpool's third goal.
Midfielder Matty Virtue, 19, scored a hat-trick for Liverpool with Spaniard Madger Gomes netting the other goal.
Gomez, who was one of three centre-backs alongside Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori, tweeted after the game: "Good win & clean sheet tonight... glad to get my first 90 mins... thank you for the messages."
The former Charlton defender has yet to feature under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and is now looking to get back into the first-team picture.
"It's my dream just to play for the club again," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I haven't had the experience of playing under this new manager and it's something I really want to do - just to play at Anfield again.
"I know I have got to be patient but I am eager, obviously, after a long year out to get back out there."
Gomez was speaking at Pinehurst Primary School in Liverpool as he gave away 11 tickets alongside Lucas Leiva for the game against West Ham at Anfield on Sunday December 11.
Liverpool are donating 11 tickets to five local schools for each home Premier League game this season as part of their Young Fan Ticket Initiative.
"It's a nice gesture by the club. We know how hard it is to get a ticket to watch and go to Anfield," said midfielder Lucas.
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