JACK ROBINSON was still on cloud nine today as he relived the moment he became Liverpool’s latest record breaker.
Though the Reds’ 0-0 draw with Hull City on Sunday was instantly forgettable, for Robinson – who has starred for Rodolfo Borrell’s Under-18 side as an attacking left-back – it will forever live in his memory.
His four minute cameo at the end of the second half ensured, at 16 years and 250 days, he became the youngest player ever to represent Liverpool ahead of Max Thompson, who was 17 years and 129 days when making his debut in 1974.
What made the feat all the more remarkable is that Robinson has yet to make an appearance for the reserves and was only called up to the squad that travelled to Hull at the last minute.
He, though, has no intentions of letting the moment go to his head and knows there is plenty of hard work ahead if he wants to graduate from Liverpool’s Academy with honours.
“It was an amazing feeling to get on and a very exciting moment,” said Robinson, a lifelong Liverpool fan who was born in Warrington but now lives in Crosby.
“I only found out for certain that I was in the squad on Saturday morning but it was completely unexpected. It’s a dream come true.
“Sammy Lee called me on Saturday and when he told me that I was going to be in the squad, I just went into shock. I couldn’t speak because of the excitement.
“I knew it was going to be a great experience and just sitting on the bench would have been good enough but it became even better to get on.
“It was the first time that I have ever travelled with the squad and I’ll never forget it; I still can’t believe that I’ve made a little bit of history.”
Though he had very little time to make an impact, Robinson did provide the pass which set Steven Gerrard free to slam a shot against the base of the post and the captain had been quick to pass on advice before the game.
“I’ve had a good season with the Academy but all I want to do now is keep working hard over the summer and make sure I’m ready for pre-season,” said Robinson.
“I’ll make sure I get down to the beach and do some extra running to stay in shape. Stevie and Jamie Carragher were great beforehand. They told me to enjoy every minute – and I did!”
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s failure to secure sixth place in the Premier League has had its first impact on the club’s pre-season preparations.
A friendly with Norwegian side Valerenga had been pencilled in for August 4 in Oslo but, as Liverpool will have to play the second leg of their Europa League qualifier the day after, the game has been put back 12 months.
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