Liverpool youngster Tom Hill has opened up on his cameo against Manchester United earlier this week and his journey to recovery from injury problems that began almost two years ago.
The 19-year-old played the final 30 minutes of the 4-0 defeat to Erik ten Hag's side on Tuesday and was brought on alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah and new signing Darwin Nunez. Manager Jurgen Klopp changed the entire outfield team every 30 minutes and Hill was among the the final XI to take to the field.
Pre-season often provides a huge opportunity for youngsters to impress and put themselves in the mind of Reds boss Klopp, but for Hill, the appearance meant so much more given the work he's had to put in to overcome an ACL injury and numerous setbacks.
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He said in an interview with liverpoolfc.com : "It was boss. Walking out with some of my idols and the team that I was in was pretty strong, it was unbelievable.
"I just had my head on the game and then afterwards I just let it sink in and realised, 'that's a pretty good achievement, considering how long I've been out.' It was like I've worked the whole 20 months for that moment, and hopefully it just keeps going on from here."
Hill is part of a 37-man squad out in the Far East that includes a mix of both youth and experience. And the teenager revealed he found out he'd been included in the travelling party just a matter of days before they departed for Thailand.
He added: "I was training with the first team early on in the week, so I had a little idea but I didn't want to get my hopes up for anything. I was made up and straight on the phone to my family, telling them about it. They're all made up for me. They've all been close to me through the tough time I've had and made up I've had some good news and been able to come out and experience this whole tour.
"The coaching staff have been really supportive, telling me to enjoy it and don't put too much pressure on myself because obviously I've been out for a long time."
The Reds are back in action on Friday against Crystal Palace as they take on their Premier League opponents in Singapore. For Hill, it could provide another opportunity to impress Klopp and get some vital minutes in the legs before the new season.
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