“I’m grateful for it, to be honest” - 18-year-old Jayden Danns shares feelings after scoring in Liverpool win over Accrington Stanley
Liverpool forward Jayden Danns has expressed gratitude after scoring in the 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup Third Round. The youngster started the game from the bench at Anfield and came on in the 72nd minute on Saturday.
By then, the Merseyside club were already two goals up through Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Four minutes later, a Federico Chiesa shot was initially saved by Billy Crellin, and Danns turned it in to score his first goal of the season.
The 18-year-old broke into the first team last campaign but missed the start of this season with a back injury. Danns only returned to full fitness last November, but has found game time hard to come by.
Speaking to ITV after the game, the teenager insisted that he is not frustrated at his lack of chances at Liverpool.
“I’ve been out for a while, five months. So coming back, first-team football’s a different intensity to any football. So [aim was to] just work as hard as I can, try and get into the groove of it and any opportunities sniff a goal out," said Danns.
He continued:
“Obviously, I made an impact last season. It’s not really any frustration from me. As I said, I’m young. There’s still a lot more to do, and hopefully, a lot more I can do. So, yeah, looking forward to it.”
Danns remained hopeful about securing more game time under Arne Slot in the coming days.
“Obviously, the manager’s put faith in me today and I’m grateful for it, to be honest. I scored and I mean, like I said, I’m really grateful for the opportunity he’s given me. Hopefully, I can do even more if he gives me more opportunities,” said Danns.
Chiesa then found the back of the net in the 90th minute to mark a fruitful night for Liverpool.
When are Liverpool back in action?
Liverpool have enjoyed an impressive run under Arne Slot this season. The Dutch manager took charge at Anfield last summer following Jurgen Klopp's exit.
The Merseyside club are at the top of the Premier League after 19 games, six points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who have played a game more. The Reds have lost just one game in the Premier League all season, against Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September.
Liverpool face Forest next at the City Ground on Tuesday, January 14, in the league. The Tricky Trees are third in the standings, level on points with Arsenal but behind on goal difference.
