'My first Premier League start has left me lost for words'
Cameron Brannagan spoke with wisdom beyond his years within moments of making his first Barclays Premier League start – but admitted it was hard to describe just how much the achievement meant.
The midfielder, yet another graduate from the Academy, clocked up 90 minutes on Sunday afternoon as the Reds drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion to sign off their domestic season.
It was Brannagan’s first taste of the Premier League from the off after appearances in the FA Cup, Capital One Cup and Europa League previously, and the experience has left him wanting more.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “Making my debut in the Premier League is a big honour and a proud moment for my family.
“It’s what you strive for as a kid. Personally, I’ve grown this season and it has been a good season for me. Hopefully next season I can kick on as well.
“I can’t possibly describe how proud I am – I’m lost for words.
“Now we’ve got a taste of what it’s like and once you get a taste, it’s like anything, you want more. Next season hopefully we can kick on and be able to make many more Premier League starts.”
With the Baggies eager to mark the final game of the campaign with a win in front of their own fans, Liverpool were tested for long periods of the encounter.
They trailed to Salomon Rondon’s well-taken 13th-minute effort but Jordon Ibe quickly responded with a fine dribble and finish – and that is how it remained.
Brannagan felt the demands of the Premier League in his legs afterwards but took satisfaction from the performance of the youthful Reds side picked by Jürgen Klopp.
“I’ve not really played for a while; I’ve been up training at Melwood a lot,” he added. “But it is never the same as playing a game.
“Playing in the Premier League is a different tempo and different level. It was hard, but we dug in well, the team got the point and we move on now.”