InterviewCalvin Ramsay: The injury was frustrating – but I'm ready to kick on
Calvin Ramsay is keen to make up for lost time at Liverpool following an injury-hit start to his Anfield career.
The 19-year-old joined the Reds from Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen in July, though saw a back injury force him to the sidelines immediately.
Ramsay was finally able to make his Liverpool debut at the start of November as a late substitute during the Champions League hosting of Napoli, having finished his rehabilitation.
He also went on to earn a first Scotland cap of his career a little over a week on from his first start in the Carabao Cup victory over Derby County.
Liverpoolfc.com discussed a whirlwind few weeks for the young full-back, a return to fitness and more on day three of the ongoing Dubai training camp – read on for the interview below…
On the first few days of the training camp…
It’s been good. Obviously I arrived a couple of days ago and trained – it’s been hot but it’s been good. I think this 12, 13 days will be good for all the boys to get some fitness after having a break – especially for me, missing pre-season. I think for me this is like my pre-season, so I’m enjoying it and it’s good weather.
On how frustrating his injury was just after his arrival…
It was very frustrating because obviously I’d just signed for the club. I just wanted to come in and get to work and start training and playing. But I found out in my medical that I had a stress fracture in my back, and it wasn’t the best news. I was out for a couple of months with that, but I just worked hard in the gym every day and tried to get back as soon as I could. Now that I’m back training, I’m just enjoying it. Hopefully I can get some minutes.
On whether he’s set himself any targets for the training camp…
Not really, to be honest. It’s just to try to get the best out of myself, train hard every day and try to impress – that’s the main thing, impressing the manager. There’s a couple of friendlies as well – Lyon and AC Milan – so if I can get some minutes in them it’s all good for my fitness and [I’m] ready to kick on in the second half of the season.
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On his Liverpool debut in the Champions League against Napoli…
It’s an amazing moment – it’s what every youngster wants to do, play in the Champions League and at the highest level possible. I’m just lucky to have made my debut. My family being there as well was special, so I’m just delighted with that.
On aiming for a Premier League debut next…
Hopefully. That’s the aim now. I just need to keep working hard. This is a good chance to show what I’ve got. Hopefully I can make my Premier League debut as well.
On making his international debut for Scotland…
I was delighted. I grew up in Scotland and used to go to a few of the games when I was younger. So to actually be on the pitch and playing with the players, it was another dream come true. My family actually flew all the way over for it as well – they don’t really miss a game. But coming on at half-time, I didn’t really expect it, I thought I’d maybe get 10 minutes at the end. But I enjoyed it and hopefully many more to come.
On the influence of fellow full-back and Scotland international Andy Robertson…
He’s been brilliant. Obviously he’s from Scotland as well and ever since I’ve come in he’s given me advice and little tips on how to improve and how the manager here wants to play. I try to take it all on board as best as I can. Hopefully he can keep giving me little pointers and I’ll take it on board and see where we go.
On trying to kick on when the season restarts now he’s fully fit…
Definitely. Try to get through this camp and get a couple of minutes, get some fitness back. And then once we’re back, it’s to the training ground and hopefully I can kick on.
