Smith: We're grateful to have the manager's trust
Brad Smith was delighted to repay Jürgen Klopp's faith in him and his fellow Academy starlets by scoring the goal that secured this evening's FA Cup third-round replay against Exeter City.
The Australian opened his account for the club in the 2-2 draw with the Grecians at St James Park on January 8, netting a crucial second-half equaliser that gave Liverpool the chance to progress to the fourth round in an Anfield replay.
Smith's strike also provided deserved reward for an impressive performance from an inexperienced team in hostile surroundings, but the defender says he and his teammates on the night were happy enough simply to be out on the pitch representing the Reds.
Asked how many times he has watched his goal again, the 21-year-old laughed and said: “A few!
"I’ve had a few people tweeting me and messaging on Instagram. I was happy to get my goal but more happy to get the replay for the team.
"My phone was going off, my friends and family were calling me saying ‘well done’ and stuff. It was an honour for me to score but it was good to get the next game.
"We’ve come through the Academy, a lot of players playing together in the reserves for a few years. It was an emotional day for a lot of the lads, with a few making their debuts.
"That’s what you want from your manager. You want him to put trust in the young lads and you don’t see many managers doing what he did. But it was great to put trust in all of us. I’m just enjoying it."
LFCTV GO: Smith and Cameron Brannagan reflect on Exeter City draw
The pacey left-sided player has made five appearances for the Reds since making his senior debut in December 2013 but has yet to grace the Anfield turf with the first team.
However, he may get the chance to do so in the return game against Paul Tisdale's outfit, as Klopp looks to keep his squad fresh during a busy period.
Smith added: “It will be a very emotional day for me and my family, if I do get the start. I’ve been working hard at training, so we’ll see what happens on the day.
“[Exeter] are obviously up for the occasion and they have got to be again on Wednesday, especially at Anfield. They’re a good side and they played well.
“[We have to] just go out there, similar team or different team, and do what we can really. Play the football that the manager wants us to play and I think we’ll end up getting the win.”