Sheyi out to keep impressing after U21s treble
Sheyi Ojo was keen to play down his match-winning hat-trick for Liverpool U21s against Middlesbrough on Monday evening, insisting the three points are always of greater significance to him.
But the winger was pleased to yet again show Jürgen Klopp why he might be worthy of further first-team opportunities, and has vowed to keep working hard as he waits for another chance.
Ojo capped his treble with an 89th-minute penalty to secure the win for Michael Beale's men, who produced a thrilling attacking performance to run out victors at Victoria Park.
But he remained humble when asked to reflect on his personal achievement after full-time.
"It's nice to get a hat-trick but the main focus was to get the three points, which we did. So I'm happy for that," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"Hopefully I can impress [Klopp] whenever I get the opportunity but for now I'm playing U21 games.
"So I'll keep trying my best, keep learning, and hopefully I can push on from there."
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Despite coming away with the match ball, the 18-year-old was in fact critical of his finishing on the night, believing he could have added further to his personal tally.
"Especially for the attacking players, the manager is always saying we've got to be ruthless," he added.
"For me, I could have probably scored even more goals, I need to work on that as well.
"But going into the next couple of games everyone can use that as a lesson learned."
The U21s came from behind to lead thanks to Ojo's first two goals, but looked to have surrendered the win when Boro netted a penalty of their own late in the second half.
However, they were rewarded for their refusal to lay down as Jerome Sinclair was upended in the box after a spell of pressure, and Ojo coolly converted to see off resilient opposition.
The Academy wideman was delighted with the way his teammates responded to multiple setbacks during the game, and believes that bodes well for a meeting with rivals Manchester United at Prenton Park on Friday evening.
"I think throughout the whole game we deserved to get the three points," he continued.
"Obviously, in the first half, we started off a bit slow and then we gradually got into the game, and then I think second half especially, we had loads of chances so we could have maybe scored more.
"For them to get a penalty back and for us to bounce back again shows great character.
"[It was a] great win today and everybody's going to buzzing for the game on Friday, and hopefully we can get another three points."