'I would love to emulate Jerome'
Sheyi Ojo has a burning desire to shine in Liverpool's first team one day and says he has been inspired by seeing Brendan Rodgers give Academy youngsters chances this season.
Jerome Sinclair was handed his Barclays Premier League debut during Sunday's draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and Ojo is hoping his chance might not be too far away.
The 17-year-old former MK Dons starlet has appeared on the bench for the senior side twice this season, against Burnley and Leicester City.
And after a successful loan spell in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, he is eager to keep making an impression.
"I was really happy for Jerome, who I am close with," Ojo told Liverpoolfc.com.
"It's a boost for me and everyone at the Academy to see Jerome get his chance, and hopefully some of the other lads in the team can make that step up as well.
"Going out on loan to Wigan has helped me a lot. It was more physical than what I was used to and you also have to move the ball quicker, but I'm just trying to focus now on trying to break into the first-team squad.
"That's the main aim for everyone here and hopefully I can keep improving.
"I've just got to focus on the next training session, see how I can improve and then we'll see what happens."
In the space of a few weeks, Ojo has scored penalties at Goodison Park and at Anfield - having most recently netted in front of the Kop during the U21s incredible 4-4 draw with Norwich City on Monday night.
But the England youth international says he thrives on highly pressurised situations.
He added: "I feel confident taking penalties but the most important thing is the team and trying to win the game. Unfortunately [against Norwich] we didn't manage to do that.
"It's a shame we couldn't win the game. It was a mad game, winning 3-0 and then they got back in the game and it was goals galore."
During the 90 minutes Ojo played in every position across the front line, and he views his versatility as an asset for his long-term future.
He said: "I played at No.10 just off the striker, left wing, right wing, striker but to be honest I don't really mind where I play. As long as I'm playing that's fine."