'It's a massive honour' – Curtis Jones on Premier League debut
Curtis Jones will be eternally grateful for Jürgen Klopp's belief after the young Scouser made his Premier League debut during Saturday's 3-0 victory at Bournemouth.
The 18-year-old realised a life-long ambition when he replaced Andy Robertson with 14 minutes remaining on the south coast, with the Reds three goals up.
It was Jones' fourth appearance for the club in all competitions as he outlined his determination to secure further opportunities.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "Growing up and being a local lad, I think it’s everyone’s dream to go and play for your boyhood club.
"And to do it at a young age is a massive honour and I’m grateful, and I just say a massive thank you to the gaffer and his staff for having the belief in me.
"As everyone could see the scoreline was perfect, so I could come on and be relaxed and play and show what I’m capable of doing.
"I spoke to the gaffer when I was getting warmed up and he was telling me to go on and be calm and go and play my game, which gave me all the confidence I needed. I went out there and I just tried to play my game.
"When you go into different kind of games and you play with a few of the youth lads, who don’t have that experience, it’s always that little bit harder.
"But today I think the rest of the boys around me made it that little bit easier and I’m looking forward to a few more of them games."
After the landmark moment in his career, Jones paid tribute to those who aided his progression from the Kirkby Academy through to the first team.
"I’ve got to thank my family for what they’ve done for me and taking me to the Academy," he continued.
"Critch and Barry – who have given me the role of being captain for the teams [U23s and U19s] – and Alex [Inglethorpe], who are always pushing me every time that I’m there.
"So a massive thank you to them and everyone around me, and thank you to the manager again."