'I know Stevie's first, but I'll have a go'
Fabio Borini has insisted he would relish the opportunity to replicate his stunning free-kick for the U21s at first-team level – but acknowledges that won't be easy with the likes of Steven Gerrard ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Italian international fired a double strike during the 4-2 win over Manchester United at Salford City Stadium and was in impressive form as he led the line for Alex Inglethorpe's side on Monday night.
Borini's first goal of the night was a long-range free-kick which flew past stopper Ben Amos and he admits he would like more set-piece duty.
"It was great to score from a free-kick because I've been taking them in training every day and for almost two years," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I took them at Swansea but here it's difficult to take one with Steven Gerrard and others in the team!"
The brace was Borini's first goals since firing for Italy in the U21 European Championships and he is now hoping to push on and challenge for a place in Brendan Rodgers starting XI.
"I enjoyed the goals and it was good to play 90 minutes again," he added.
"I can take a lot of confidence from the game. After the Euros I've been playing well and it was great to get these two goals to take on board for the weekend."
The No.29's second effort of the night came from a brilliant finish from a tight angle. It was similar to his effort for the first-team away at Valerenga in pre-season which on that night landed just wide of the target.
He said: "In Norway it was probably a little bit tighter an angle but I read the situation earlier and I had the confidence from the first goal to get the second one."
Borini admitted he was happy to play for the U21 team and boost his sharpness in the process.
He said: "The team were great and I know it's not easy when you get a player in at the last minute but they welcomed me and was good to play with them.
"Obviously I didn't know most of the players as we don't get the chance to train with them that much, but I trained with them on Sunday and played in the game.
"Some of our players were very young compared to the Man United side and they showed they can live with them."