Origi: I always believed I could help the team
Divock Origi always believed he could make the sort of crucial contribution that helped Liverpool to a hard-earned 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
The Belgian's only starts for the Reds so far this season have come in the EFL Cup, a competition that has seen him offer regular reminders of his talents.
But he was given a rare chance to impress in the Premier League against David Moyes' men when Philippe Coutinho was forced off after 34 minutes, having sustained an ankle injury.
With the match seemingly heading for a frustrating 0-0 draw, Origi popped up with a 75th-minute curler into the corner to spark wild scenes among the home support and strengthen his case for future starts.
Reflecting on his contribution, the striker told Liverpoolfc.com: "I think the message from the start of the season was to keep patient and whenever the team needed me I had to be ready.
"I think it's not easy, especially as a young player - I was so hungry to play. I started this season with a lot of hunger and I just had to be patient.
"Sometimes it can happen that you don't play in the moment but I always believed in my qualities and so did the club, so did the supporters, so did the manager.
"I just used all this hunger to improve myself and stay ready for the moment you have to help the team.
"I'm so happy that I could help the team and I hope everything will go well this season."
LFCTV GO: Origi on his impact from the bench
Jürgen Klopp's men dominated the meeting with the Black Cats from practically the first whistle, but looked set to be frustrated by opposition camped at the edge of their own penalty box.
Origi underlined the importance of cool heads in such situations, and expressed delight at being able to produce the sort of shift and finish that is fast becoming a trademark feature of his game.
"When I came on, I just wanted to play my game and this is my game, when I come on the left hand side it's one of my strong points - one-on-one and shooting," he added.
"Of course I was very happy when it went in and it helped the team a lot, so I'm so happy.
"You have to stay patient and you have to stay focused and not lose [silly] balls.
"You know that you have to create something and I think every player played his part.
"My part was to play on my qualities and I'm thankful that it went in and we won deservedly."
Watch the highlights from crucial win at Anfield
Origi went on to express regret over the Coutinho injury that provided his own chance to shine.
But he sees any potential lay-off for the Brazilian as an opportunity for the Reds to show just how much strength in depth they possess.
The No.27 said: "It's unfortunate with Philippe because everyone knows how good a person he is and I think he was in top form, so I hope it's not too bad.
"But I'm sure he will come back stronger and I always said that we have a strong group, everybody has to help each other.
"I'm always ready, I believe I can help the team a lot this year and I believe I have the qualities to start in this team.
"Of course, you have to work hard and show it on the pitch and not everything goes well every day.
"But when it goes well you have to enjoy it and keep on improving."