Liverpool prospect Curtis Jones has revealed James Milner brought him back down to Earth with a wise warning.
Jones, 18, is expected to make his third appearance for the Reds in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal at Anfield.
The local lad is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in the country but has so far been protected from the hype getting out of hand.
Milner took over as his mentor following Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s departure to Rangers in 2018.
And the 33-year-old was quick to dish out advice when Jones appeared to get over-confident in training.
He said: “When I started to show [things were easy] in the wrong way, he told me: ‘Look, you can’t be doing those type of things as the game gets bigger’ - and I’m saying it in a lot better tone that he did.
“Coming from him, it really opens your eyes.
“It’s come to the time now where it’s the big opportunity I’ve been working for all of my life.
“When I get on the pitch, I need to shine, not be afraid of anything, and show the talent I am.”
Jones made his senior debut in January’s FA Cup defeat against Wolves and started this season’s Carabao Cup win at MK Dons.
Despite having supreme confidence in his talent, he is aware that patience is required before being trusted with a regular place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.
“I know I need to take things slowly and wait until my time’s right,” Jones told The Independent .
“Sadio [Mane], Mo [Salah], Bobby [Roberto Firmino], the lads in the dressing room are some of the best players in the world. If I was still sitting in the stands watching them I’d be like ‘oh my God’.
“In your career, opportunities will come along the way to get more first-team football, but I know I’m not missing out on anything because I see what Jurgen [Klopp] tells the players, he speaks to me one-to-one, tells me what I need to improve on. I know he’s got faith in me.
“Being a local lad, my head’s only ever been on staying here to represent the area and show what local boys are capable of.”
