Rossiter: This is what I've been working for
Jordan Rossiter says making his European debut for Liverpool was the culmination of all the hard work he has put in since joining the club's Academy at the age of six.
The 18-year-old was included in Brendan Rodgers' starting XI for Thursday's Europa League meeting with Bordeaux and played 80 minutes as the Reds drew 1-1.
After the game, Rossiter admitted to finding the going 'tough' in his first outing in continental competition, but says he enjoyed every moment of what was a significant personal milestone.
"It was a tough test but I really enjoyed it," he told the Liverpool Echo. "My European debut was a great experience.
"To be honest with you, I was a bit nervous when the manager told me I was starting a few days ago. But you have to go out there and enjoy it and try your best.
"My family were all watching on TV back home and I know they’ll be made up for me. When my dad used to take me to football as a kid it was all for moments like this.
"I loved every minute of it out there. I have been working for all these years at the Academy to try to push on into the first team.
"I got my chance tonight and hopefully my chance will come again."
As the game wore on, Rossiter's fellow Academy graduates Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan were handed their first-team debuts as substitutes.
And the Scouse midfielder was delighted to see two friends make the most of their opportunity to shine.
"I was made up for Pedro and Cameron," he said.
"I’ve been playing with Cameron since I was six or seven and Pedro joined from Spain a few years ago.
"I thought they both showed great composure when they came on. Young players want to do well and we’ll go that extra mile.
"It was good playing alongside Pedro because I know how he plays and he knows how I play. I thought he did really well and it was the same with Cameron when he came on."
Rossiter was withdrawn 10 minutes from time in France as cramp began to take hold in the dying stages of a hard-fought game.
But the teenager expects to see no lasting effects and is aiming to be in contention to feature against Norwich on Sunday, should the manager give him the nod.
"I came off with a bit of cramp which I was disappointed with but I’ll be fine," he insisted.
"Hopefully I can take it forward and get better but I’m not going to get carried away.
"I know there are a lot of players who were left back home for this game. We’ll have to see what the manager decides for Sunday.
"I’m still young. I just need to keep improving and if I my chance comes again I need to try to take it.
"As a team, in the end we’re disappointed that we didn’t get the win but a point away from home is good.
“We have got three home games to come and if we win those we’ll be in a great position in the group."