ABERDEEN wonder goal specialist Leighton Clarkson has revealed that one-to-one free-kick coaching sessions with Steven Gerrard helped him to steer one home from 25-yards against St Johnstone on Saturday.
The Liverpool loanee was the difference in Perth as Jim Goodwin’s side picked up all three points in the Scottish Premiership clash.
Clarkson sent a spectacular free-kick into the top left corner on the hour mark and it was not his first stunner of the season after he scored from 30-yards on the opening day of the season against St Mirren.
Asked if he only scores wonder goals, Clarkson responded: “It seems that way at the minute. I’ve not really had a chance other than those two. I’m just happy to put them away.
“I practice after sessions and stuff like that. I always like doing a bit of shooting and the day before the game I always do free-kicks. I always have since I was little. So, yeah, it’s something I always work on.
“It started when I was with the 18s at Liverpool and Steven Gerrard was our coach. We did a lot of one-to-ones with him and from then on I’ve just done it before every game.
“He was probably the best person to learn from. It was more about where to hit the ball, the type of run-up and so on. He also said to take your time with it because you’re in control of the situation.
“I always do that and try and find the angle I want to shoot at. Happily enough, it went in. Gerrard hasn’t been in touch recently but I’ve not checked by phone after this game so we’ll have to see about that!”
Clarkson was a relatively unknown figure when he arrived in the Scottish Premiership, but he is slowly making a name for himself.
His two goals are obvious plus points, but the midfielder has also looked calm and assured in the middle of the park and he moves the ball around with ease.
“I’m loving it,” Clarkson continued. “I’m playing in games and the fans have really welcomed me well. Even when I’m about in Aberdeen, there are people saying hello. I’m extremely happy to be here.
“I just needed to go to a club where I’m going to play. As soon as Aberdeen came in, I really wanted to go there.
“It’s a big club in Scotland and I knew all about them from watching them at home and stuff like that. It was quite an easy choice.
“Over the last couple of years I think Scottish football has become a lot bigger. When I was in and around the academy, there was often a Scottish game on 12.30pm.
“Then people I know like Andy Firth and a couple of other lads came up to Scotland and did quite well. I spoke to them about it just before I came.
“Obviously the club and myself have decided the path is to go out on loan. When that happens, it’s about playing games to get the experience. Hopefully, I can bring that back to Liverpool in a year’s time.
“Liverpool are a massive club. They are always going to be trying to buy certain players. They are one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the world.
“I just thought there was a chance to go out last year, albeit it didn’t work out well. I’ve started fresh this year and done well so far. I just to continue with that.”
Clarkson also revealed that he hopes to bulk up during his stint north of the border so he returns to his parent club in a better physical condition to compete with the top players at Anfield.
He added: “It is an aim. When I was in the Championship last year it was tough and physical but when you go out on loan that’s what you are going to experience.
“I know I can deal with the technical aspects and that sort of stuff. From last year, I’ve been planning on doing bulking-up work so I’m going to continue with that.”
