Liverpool youngster Conor Coady is delighted at receiving his first mention for the first team, with the 19-year-old given a starting role as they took on Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League last night.

With the away trip to Russia being a typically difficult one for the Reds, Brendan Rodgers left out a host of stars and chose to give the younger players a chance to impress while the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez prepare for the weekend.

Liverpool lost the match 1-0, but for Coady it was an opportunity he has dreamt of his entire life, and the teen says it won't be forgotten.

"It was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of it," he told the Liverpool Echo. "It was a big night for me and my family. It's every boy's dream to play for Liverpool.

"You have to be patient, bide your time and work hard in training.

"I've waited a long time for this day and it was really special to get out there and play.

Conor Coady
Conor coady (left) has been training hard to make his Liverpool dream come true, and now it finally has for the youngster.

"I put my all into it and I was made up to make my debut. I was happy with the way I played and I thought all the boys did well. Hopefully it's the first appearance of many for me."

Anzhi striker Samuel Eto'o was always going to be a threat for Liverpool, with the African star boasting the tag of the highest paid player in the world.

And Coady is savouring the experience of squaring up against a player of Eto'o's calibre.

"As a young lad you want to play against the best players in the world and to come up against Eto'o was great," he explained.

"He's still up there with the best - a class act. We're just disappointed not to get a result, but we will bounce back from this and become better.

"It's fantastic to play under Brendan. He has given a lot of us young lads games this season and it's great he has shown that faith."

Russia