Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson has opened up on how his full first-team debut against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup left him with 'goosebumps'.
Clarkson made his senior Reds debut as a substitute in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa, before the 18-year-old was handed his first senior start by Neil Critchley in the fourth-round replay at Anfield last week.
The Clitheroe-born youngster started in a midfield three alongside Pedro Chirivella and Jake Cain and has recalled how it was such 'a special night' for him and his team-mates.
“It doesn't get much better than that. It was a proud moment for me and my family,” Clarkson told the club’s official website.
“It was nice to see so many of my family there to come and watch us win. It's something we will never forget.
“I just had goosebumps the whole time You'll Never Walk Alone was on, looking around the stadium seeing everyone singing and seeing my family singing it as well - it was just a moment I will never forget.
“It was just unbelievable. You just looked around and saw all the people that came and supported us. They knew we were going to be an U23s team yet we still sold out, which means they are looking to see what youngsters are coming through.
“I'm just glad we got the win for everyone and it was a special night.”
“That's the type of person he is,” the youngster added on James Milner’s presence on the night.
“Obviously he has had a lot of experience in the game and enjoyed a great career.
“He has got the experience and knows what to say at the right times, so for him to be there and tell us all these things before the game was brilliant.
“After the game he was celebrating more than most of us! That's just how he is and he was a massive help.”
Despite the memorable night and experience, Clarkson insists there is no danger of him or his team-mates getting carried away following their 1-0 victory.
“The coaches wouldn't allow us to do that,” he said.“Everyone was absolutely buzzing and we had the day off after the game but we were back in training the following day and training on a very high level again to get ready for the next game.
“As a player you want to be playing in big games and as many competitions as you can. We have got Wolfsburg to look forward to in the Premier League International Cup quarter-final and the UEFA Youth League last-16 tie, which is an exciting time for everyone. We can't wait to see who we get in that.”
