Liverpool starlet John Flanagan is hoping to make the most of his unexpected first-team opportunity.
Teenage defender hoping to remain a part of the senior fold
Liverpool starlet John Flanagan is hoping to make the most of his unexpected first-team opportunity.
The 18-year-old was thrust into the senior fold by Kenny Dalglish on Monday for a home date with Manchester City.
With Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly nursing knocks, the academy graduate was asked to fill in at right-back.
The Merseyside native fared admirably on his Premier League bow, putting in a mature and composed display during a 3-0 win for the Reds.
He is expected to retain his place for another high-profile clash with Arsenal on Sunday and admits he is now looking to hold down the role long term.
Flanagan told the
Liverpool Echo: "It was such a special night for me. It's difficult to explain really but it was just brilliant to be out there.
"At first I was nervous as it was a really big game to come into in front of over 40,000 fans. It took me 10-15 minutes just to settle down.
Learning
"As the game went on I got more and more into it. I just looked to get on the ball and keep it simple.
"I'm just made up with the way it went. It was a good win for the team and a great performance.
"Now I've got to keep working hard and learning. When you get a chance you have to take it."
Flanagan's rise to prominence has provided Liverpool with another useful defensive option and the youngster has hailed the efforts of coach Kenny Dalglish in helping him to make the adjustment to life in the first-team set-up.
He added: "Kenny helped me a lot before the game and gave me loads of advice. Kenny has been a big help to me and the other young players.
"It helps us just the fact that we already know him well from the academy because it means that he knows us well too.
"It gives all the young players a boost because we all know that Kenny is looking at us and is willing to give us our chance, so that gives us confidence."
