Brad Smith may have scored the goal that earned Liverpool a draw against Exeter City in the FA Cup, but before the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, Smith feared he was heading for the exit, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Just two months ago, Smith was out of contract and his exit looked extremely likely with the 21-year-old Australian having attended trials for both Barnsley and Norwegian side Rosenborg.
But Jurgen Klopp saw something in the 21-year-old and thus far it has paid dividends.
“Was I worried it was the end? Yes definitely,” Smith told the Echo. “A lot of things go through your mind when things like that are happening.
“You don’t know what is going to happen, it is hard, hard for your family and friends. The way it has gone it is working out.
“I was living with my mum at the time and I was speaking to staff at Liverpool throughout the whole time.
“I am just glad the way it has turned out.”
Klopp has given Smith a chance in both domestic cup competitions and so far Smith has repaid the faith shown in him, registering an assist for Divock Origi in the 6-1 mauling of Southampton and also clinching a vital equaliser against Exeter.
Smith said: “What happened in the summer is in the past. I am just trying to enjoy my football.
“It was great to score and great to get an assist for Divock as well in my first game for a long time. That was a great feeling.”
Klopp had a history of blooding young players at Borussia Dortmund and it looks like it is going to continue at Liverpool.
The German manager looks set to send out a youthful side tonight against Exeter in the FA Cup third round replay.
