Teixeira: I want to say thanks to all
Moments after experiencing the adrenaline rush of a first senior appearance for Liverpool, humility shone through Joao Carlos Teixeira as the Portuguese midfielder revealed a debt of gratitude.
The 21-year-old, who has been a regular face at Melwood training sessions during recent weeks, was introduced for the concluding eight minutes of the Reds' Barclays Premier League tie with Fulham.
A brief cameo was enough for the former Sporting Lisbon starlet to launch a shot narrowly over the bar at one end and complete an important block on behalf of his team at the other.
Immediately afterwards, Teixeira reflected on his unforgettable debut for the Reds and explained why his initial thought was to issue thanks to Brendan Rodgers and his colleagues in the dressing room.
"It was great and I'm really happy," he said of a Premier League encounter which saw Liverpool run out 3-2 victors courtesy of a pinpoint penalty kick by Steven Gerrard in stoppage time.
"I want to say thank-you to the boss and all my teammates for helping me to improve every day. I have been working to be here and make my debut. I'm really happy because we won the game.
"I wasn't feeling nervous, I was feeling alright - I was confident. The boss gave me confidence. I came on and did my best.
"The manager said maybe I could score and it would be great for me if I scored. I was confident and I tried. It didn't go in but there's next time."