Academy'Scoring in the derby meant a lot - it's great to be back'

After missing all of the pre-season due to a niggling injury issue, the Formby-born midfielder has worked hard to get his sharpness back.

Sent on as a substitute by Barry Lewtas on Monday night, Hill combined brilliantly with Bobby Clark before finding the net with a superb curled effort.

It was a strike that meant the world to the 20-year-old.

“Obviously I have had quite a tough time so coming back in a derby and getting a goal, it means a lot to me, it feels great to be back,” Hill told Liverpoolfc.com.

“There are a few new faces in the squad, everyone has came in together and it’s easy to fit into this team.

“We stuck together, stuck to the game plan and didn’t give Everton much of a chance, which is always good, and we executed it well.

“We could have easily scored more than the four goals we got and in that first half we had a lot of chances to have put the game to bed then, but thankfully we didn’t get downhearted. We kept going and put the ball away.”

Hill has had a tough time since picking up an ACL injury during pre-season in the summer of 2020, but he has bounced back and is grateful for the help of the medical team at the Academy.

“It has been tough, and I’d like to thank our physios, Paul Kelly, Scott McAuley and Tony Jones, who have spent a lot of time with me over the past few years,” he added.

“It has been tough but they always say to me stay positive, there’s always a good end to it so stay positive throughout it all.

“I feel very good, I feel fit and it’s probably the best I’ve felt for the last three years, so touch wood it’s all going well.

“I need a run of games now under my belt and get back to match fitness and let’s see where the season takes me.”