Caulker: Why U21s appearance was important for me
Steven Caulker insists his appearance for Liverpool U21s on Tuesday night was to prove his fitness and desire to manager Jürgen Klopp.
The defender played the entire game for Michael Beale’s side in the 1-0 win over Leeds United at Prenton Park to reach the quarter-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup.
Caulker, who joined the Reds on loan until the end of the season earlier this month, has made two cameo appearances from the bench for the first team but believes he’s ready to be called upon during this busy period.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the game, he said: “It was important to get 90 minutes under my belt, it's been about seven weeks since my last game.
“It was important to get a run-out and, of course, nice to get a clean sheet and a win as well. I wanted to show the manager that I'm fit and ready for any opportunities that come round, either Norwich or the FA Cup game if we get through.
“It's been a hectic sort of week since I've arrived but I've enjoyed every minute of it. Everyone has made me feel really welcome. I'm enjoying it and I'm glad to get the 90 minutes under my belt and I really hope to kick on.”
Daniel Trickett-Smith proved to be the match-winner with his goal right before the interval, following a rapid breakaway from a Leeds corner.
And Caulker reckons the side deserved to progress after a solid defensive display to hold onto the result.
He added: “I think it was a good performance. We had to dig deep at times but that's obviously how it is in the first team.
“I think it was a good example of how the boys can dig deep and I think there was a lot of talent on show as well with a lot of youngsters stepping up from the youth team.
“It was a well-taken finish, to be fair, and we hung on a bit in the second half. But at times in the first half I think we showed the football we can play and hopefully there will be a lot of the boys coming through in the future.”
The 24-year-old remembers his time coming through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster and he was able to offer advice for his younger teammates.
He said: “It does feel a long time ago since I was at this level! It wasn't so long ago and I know a lot of the faces there that are coming through.
“At the start of the game, you have those pre-match nerves but you just get used to it. So I think the more and more you play, the better they will get.
“They're in good hands with the coaches here so I wish them all the best.”