Irish teenager Conor Masterson: Jurgen Klopp said ‘go out and enjoy yourself’

Dublin teenager Conor Masterson has described as “surreal” the experience of being called up to the Liverpool senior squad.

17-year-old Masterson plays for Ireland at underage level and has captained the Irish U17 team.

He has been with the Anfield club since 2012 and plays for their U18 side.

But an injury crisis led manager Jurgen Klopp to look to the club’s youngsters for last Friday’s FA Cup trip to Exeter, and Masterson was one of the players to get the nod.

“I got told Thursday that I was going to go up and train at Melwood and then on Friday I travelled with the team," he explained.

But it still came as a surprise to be told he was actually going to be part of the match squad.

Video from LFC.

"I actually didn’t know ‘til the team (was announced),” Masterson said. “We had the team talk and I got told I was on the bench.”

“I just couldn't believe it, it was an unbelievable feeling. I was taken aback to be honest."

And Klopp took the time to offer the young player some advice before the game.

"Jurgen Klopp just said to me 'if you get a chance to go on, then go out and enjoy yourself. There's no pressure on you. Just go and do your best.'"

Masterson was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw. Hopefully we will see the young Irish footballer in action for the Reds soon.

If former Lucan Utd defender Conor Masterson gets on the pitch tonight, he'll be Liverpool's first Irish player since Robbie Keane in 2009.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) January 8, 2016

H/Tsportsjoe