Conor Masterson has described his integration into the Liverpool first team as a ‘surreal experience’ – but it is one he is relishing.

The Irish teenager spoke to Off The Ball’s Nathan Murphy after Saturday’s goalless Merseyside derby against Everton to share his emotions about his recent breakthrough.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” Masterson said.

“I’m just thankful to Jurgen [Klopp] for giving me the chance and hopefully I’ll keep experiencing things like this again.

“Obviously, every kid’s dream is to get on the pitch but you just have to keep working hard and hopefully my chance will come.”

 

Masterson has been involved in Liverpool’s last two matchday squads but has yet to get on the pitch for the Reds.

And Masterson admitted the occasion of a Champions League quarter-final at Anfield made him step back in awe.

“To be honest at the start of the game I was quite nervous. At the start of the game I was a bit like: ‘woah, this is unbelievable’,” Masterson added.

“But as the game went on – watching the game - I got more relaxed and I wanted to get on. Obviously it was a big occasion but gladly the guys came through the game.”

Masterson also touched on his chances of breaking into the Liverpool first team on a regular basis and whether he expects to head out on loan.

 “I always thought Liverpool would be me. But for my development to get out on loan and experience new things would be good,” Masterson said.

“But Jurgen has been encouraging me, so I just want to keep going.

“I’ve been training with the first team for the past few days and hopefully I can keep doing that and enjoying it.

“It’s been unbelievable. Everybody is just buzzing for me and I’m glad I’m doing everybody proud."

Written by James Hopper