Curtis Jones 'grateful and honoured' after Liverpool debut
Curtis Jones described representing Liverpool as an honour after making his senior debut in Monday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A 17-year-old Scouser and product of the club’s Academy, Jones played 70 minutes at Molineux before being replaced by Roberto Firmino.
A 2-1 defeat saw the Reds eliminated from the competition, but January 7, 2019, is a date that will be etched into Jones’ memory forever.
“It was a big thing for me. I was grateful, I was honoured, and I can only thank the boss for putting me out there,” the attacking midfielder said.
“As a 17-year-old boy coming from Liverpool, it’s every kid’s dream being a footballer and going out there and playing for Liverpool. So to do that at 17 it’s a massive achievement for me and I’m absolutely buzzing.
“I wouldn’t say [I was] nervous. I was more excited than anything. I tried to go out there and play how the boss wanted me to play and I enjoyed it.”
Jones, who has trained regularly at Melwood since last February, also revealed details of a pre-match chat he had with James Milner.
“I spoke to Milly before the game and he told me to be myself and be confident so I was trying to get on the ball and play the way I normally play [with] confidence, skill, flair,” the teenager continued.
“But it’s good opposition and, give them credit, they know how to deal with players that are good on the ball. I was trying to do what I can and, as I said before, I’m absolutely buzzing to make my debut.
“For any player that hasn’t had a lot of game time for the first team getting a chance to come on, the only thing the players want is to get back out there and show their talent and what they’re capable of doing.”