Liverpool new boy Joe Gomez is thankful for the faith in him that manager Brendan Rodgers has shown.
The 18-year-old signed from Championship side Charlton Athletic in the summer and made his competitive debut against Stoke on Sunday.
The youngster was selected to start the game at left-back ahead of Alberto Moreno and looked impressive during his 90-minute display.
However, Gomez never thought he would get his opportunity so early on in his Liverpool career.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Gomez said: “It was a great experience and obviously getting the win at the end made it better,” he said.
“The last few months, I would never have dreamed that I’d get the opportunity as quickly as I have.”
The England Under-19 international looked confident at the Britannia Stadium after an impressive pre-season away in the Far East and Asia, and added:
“It’s just thanks to the team and the gaffer for giving me the opportunity to play, but it was a good result for the team and that’s the main thing.
“One of the reasons I wanted to come to Liverpool is because Brendan is such a great manager giving young players opportunities and I’m thankful for that.”
Liverpool returned to the Potteries after they were thumped 6-1 last season and Gomez revealed those players who featured wanted to ensure that they made amends for their previous visit.
“It was only used as motivation to come back here and get a result,” he continued.
“I don’t think there was any negativity about looking back at what happened.
“All the boys used it as motivation and it made it that bit more important to try and get the win.”
