Scot Gemmill has praised the Scottish Football Association's decision to fast-track Liverpool prodigy Ben Doak into the under-21s squad after a "really exciting couple of weeks" for the winger.
Doak capped off a remarkable week on Merseyside by signing his first professional contract with the Reds on Monday, which came just days after making his senior debut in the League Cup victory over Derby County and celebrating his 17th birthday. On Saturday, the former Celtic prodigy was named on the bench for the visit of Southampton as both Ibrahima Konate and Jordan Henderson were ruled out.
The 17-year-old has enjoyed an incredible rise through the Reds' ranks since making the move from Parkhead earlier this year - for a fee of £600,000 - and specifically in the UEFA Youth League, where he has notched four goals and four assists to help the young Reds secure safe passage into the round of 16 with an almost-perfect record.
READ MORE: Liverpool sale could be shaped by Barcelona '€1bn' claim and new Super League plot
READ MORE: Liverpool fixtures and dates confirmed for Dubai Super Cup in December
Such eye-catching displays have led to Doak being promoted to Barry Lewtas' under-21s side, where he has also featured in the Papa John's Trophy against Football League opposition. He has also caught the eye of those at the Scotland Football Association, with Gemmill praising the progression of Doak, who was handed his second call-up to Scotland's under-21s side for the upcoming friendly against Iceland.
“It’s been a brilliant year for him, hasn’t it?" said Gemmill, reflecting on Doak's rise. "I can remember watching him play for the under-17s earlier in this calendar year and then as a staff we decided to fast-track him to the under-21 level, to skip the under-19 level.
"It’s great to see that his club are also doing that too. Hopefully, we have played a small part in that, he played for the under-21s against Northern Ireland last month and played well and has gone back to his club and had a really exciting couple of weeks there. We will give him another opportunity on Thursday to show people what he is capable of."
He added: “I think everyone can see the potential, how he can influence games. His potential is enormous. But I would also add there are many hurdles to get over for him and he has to keep pushing, and his mentality and attitude have to be correct. Right now it is but he has to continue and that’s the challenge. His club will play a huge role in that but we have to add to it too. So there is a big responsibility on us to give him an extra push and that extra opportunity. We did it with Billy Gilmour, we took him to Toulon. I think Billy was 16 and he won the young player of the tournament.”
Doak was set to join up with Anfield team-mate Calvin Ramsay but, after an injury-stricken start to life on Merseyside, the 19-year-old has been rewarded with a call-up to Steve Clarke's senior side for the friendly against Turkey, where he will unite with fellow Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.
“It’s great to show the pathway is there and it also proves there is a lot of really good work going on at the clubs," said Gemmill of Ramsay's promotion. "We play a very small part but it is a very important part.”
READ NEXT:
Liverpool door is open for January transfers after Klopp hints and Diaz deal
Liverpool set for World Cup financial boost from current and former players
Liverpool fixture quirk hands Jurgen Klopp new Premier League problem
Mukesh Ambani 'statement' clarifies position on Liverpool and possible FSG sale
Liverpool £2m signing made history before Champions League u-turn left teammate 'seething'
