Interview'I've always dreamed of this' - Layton Stewart on Liverpool debut
Making his senior Liverpool debut left Layton Stewart speechless for the first time.
The Academy striker was named in Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Derby County, realising a childhood dream at Anfield.
Stewart, whose opportunity was all the more poignant having recently bounced back from a long-term ACL injury during his progress through the ranks that he joined as a seven-year-old, featured for 66 minutes with his family watching on proudly.
The Reds went on to win the contest via a penalty shootout following a goalless draw – and it was an occasion Stewart will cherish for a long time to come.
“I think it’s the first time in my life that I’ve ever been speechless!” he told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.
“When I walked out [onto the pitch] my whole body went stiff, I just knew my mum and dad would be in the crowd absolutely buzzing, and that was for them for the sacrifice that they have done for me throughout the years of trying to get here.
“I’ve dreamed of this since I knew what Liverpool was, since I’ve been coming week in, week out to watch them.
“To step foot out on the pitch at Anfield… again, I don’t have words to describe it really. I hope I’ve made my family proud and it’s a great moment for me.”
Read on for more reaction from the 20-year-old…
WATCH: Extended highlights and penalty shootout
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On his injury experience making him stronger as a footballer…
Definitely, yes. It was a tough time for me but I’ve come back and I think I’ve done well this season, but to get an opportunity like that, it was priceless.
On when and how he found out he would be starting the game…
Yesterday [Tuesday]. We had a meeting about the team, the shape, and the manager just went through what shape we were going to play and then he named the team and I was in. Again, my body was literally… it went weird and I didn’t know what to do! I went home, told my mum and dad and it was the best feeling I’ve had.
On his dream to score at the Kop end and how he felt the appearance went…
That was my dream to score and I probably should have took my chance, but hopefully another chance comes and I score next time. But I thought I did pretty well with what I got.
On the importance of the Carabao Cup as an opportunity for young players…
Throughout, the staff have put faith in the young lads and you can see that with us starting and the lads on the bench. It gives us all determination for the next round to try to be involved again and hopefully we get another chance.
On Caoimhin Kelleher and his performance in the penalty shootout…
I don’t have any words for him, he’s absolutely unbelievable. He’s unbelievable with the younger lads as well. When we come up he is always helping us and always supporting us. He topped off a good performance with three brilliant saves.
On Kelleher being an example to follow for young players…
He is a good example for us. He doesn’t play week in, week out but every time he has played he has definitely taken his opportunity. He has done so much for the club and in the cup games he has been really good.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.