A TEENAGE Dalry footballer's professional career hit a new high last night when he made his debut for Liverpool FC.
Ben Doak, who began his career with his local side Dalry Rovers, made his senior debut for the Anfield club on Wednesday, November 9 – two days before his 17th birthday.
When Jurgen Klopp brought on the talented winger during the EFL Cup tie with Derby County, he became the sixth youngest player in the club's history.
Doak was brought on in the 74th minute of the tie – which the home side eventually won on penalties.
Coming on to make his senior debut for the Reds 🔴 Congratulations, Ben 💫 pic.twitter.com/46r7RSZVic
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 9, 2022
It would have been a surreal moment for the former St Palladius Primary School pupil, who only made the move to Merseyside from Celtic – for a reported £600,000 – in the summer of this year.
He left Parkhead after becoming their youngest ever debutant when he came on as a substitute again Dundee United in early 2022.
Doak also enjoyed a spell at Ayr United before he made the move to Glasgow.
He has certainly impressed since moving south from the Scottish champions – scoring twice and registering two assists for Liverpool's under 18 side so far this season.
He has impressed even more in the Uefa Youth League, where he has notched four goals and four assists in only six matches.
The Ayrshire teen also did well in his short first team appearance last night, with many waxing lyrical about his performance and potential.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp even commented: "When Ben came on he looked really good. There's a lot to come. We are excited about it.
“His instructions were easy: do what you do all the time.
“He is really a lively boy, a smart player, good dribbler, fast, can use both legs. He’s good.
"It was nice to watch, really nice to watch – him coming in and immediately a lot of things are obviously natural to him, which is really helpful.
“I am pretty sure his family was here tonight. I can remember when I saw the family at the AXA when we signed the boy, how excited everybody was.
"Now having this night, it’s the next step, it’s cool. He showed up, obviously.”
Ben's mother Deeann said she was "absolutely bursting with pride seeing my boy making his senior debut".
And there were plenty of well wishers on social media after seeing the Scotland under-21 international's performance.
One reply to Deeann said: "You must be bursting with pride – and a Dalry lad! The Clachan Inn would be cheering him on!"
And national team content producers The Tartan Scarf added: "In a short spell he was able to showcase his speed, bravery on the ball, direct running and distribution.
"(He) turns 17 tomorrow. Huge talent. Huge future."
It was certainly an impressive night for the youngster, with only one disappointing thing for some fans – they wanted him to score a penalty in the shootout, but he never got the opportunity!
