InterviewTom Hill on consistency, captaincy and scoring in the mini-derby

The 21-year-old has endured three tough campaigns since suffering a serious knee injury in the summer of 2020, with further fitness setbacks limiting him to six Premier League 2 appearances last term.

But the Formby-born midfielder, who has been with the Reds since U6 level and who appeared in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa in 2019 as a 17-year-old, has been a key figure with Barry Lewtas’ U21s this time around, playing consistently, wearing the armband and scoring four goals in 12 appearances.

And speaking to the official LFC matchday programme, Hill was able to discuss with enthusiasm his progress in recent months.

“I’ve had a good run of games this season and I just want to keep consistent with that and not look too far into the future,” he said.

“I just want to enjoy my football. I’m not rushing anything. If something comes loan-wise I’ll take it, if not it doesn’t. I’m just enjoying playing consistent football and not looking too far ahead.”

On his status as captain for what has often been a youthful U21s side this season, Hill said: “It’s been a good experience to lead the lads. As one of the older lads in the team, I’ve been around for longer and I think I’ve always been quite vocal on the pitch.

“Barry has given me the armband this season and I’ve grown into it. It has definitely given me confidence because Barry sees me as somebody he can trust. Being an older lad in the group, if there’s any issues he can come to me and talk about it.

“I’ve not really changed much. I’ve kept doing what I’ve always been doing by being vocal on the pitch and tried to help the younger lads build up to playing in the 21s.”

Hill was also able to look back on the pride of scoring in a Merseyside derby, having netted in the 4-0 win over Everton at Kirkby in August.

“I’ve been to loads of Merseyside derbies and I’ve seen what it’s like at Anfield and how much it means to the fans,” he said. “My dad has got a season ticket on the Kop so I’ve always known what it means from a young age.

“As a Liverpool fan it is one of the biggest games of the season and to score and help the team win was a nice feeling.

“It still feels like a derby at U21 level because there are a few Scousers in the team and they know what it means. The rest of the team live locally, so everyone grows into it and buys into the feeling of a derby. We know some of the lads from the Everton team too so we want to have the bragging rights.”

He continued: “Goals are important for me. I like to get in the box as much as I can from midfield and help the team to win. I base my game around a lot of different things, but goals are definitely one of the important ones.

“I’d say my preferred position at the minute is at eight, box-to-box, so I can do my defensive work and get forward. I like to do both sides of the game.”