Neco Williams admits his ‘dream-come-true’ Liverpool debut went too fast

Liverpool teenager Neco Williams admits his first-team debut went too quickly for his liking but he will be hoping for more pitch time having flown to Qatar for the Club World Cup.

The 18-year-old made his bow in the dramatic 5-5 Carabao Cup tie at home to Arsenal which the Reds won on penalties in October.

With injuries to Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip, the Wales Under-19s right-back was on the bench for Saturday’s win over Watford – his first appearance in a Premier League squad.

Williams was expected to start in what will be an Under-23s side in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Aston Villa on Tuesday before making the trip to Doha but continuing defensive worries saw him depart in the 20-man first-team party on Sunday.

He said the step up to first-team football was something of an eye-opener but he tried to treat it the same as playing for the youth team.

“There are a lot of differences, with the fans and the people watching. The way you play has got to be the same, whether it’s 23s or first team, but the things around it are what makes it different,” he said.

“At the start, it can take some getting used to, but once you are two minutes into the game you forget about the fans and focus on the game. Well that’s what I try and do anyway.

“It (his debut) was a dream come true, and to top it off with a win and an assist for Divock (Origi) at the end was even better.

“It just happened too fast, I wish it went on forever.”

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