A rising star in Jurgen Klopp's elite Liverpool side once stunned youth coaches at an Ayrshire club's football academy.
Ben Doak is making a name amongst Champions League winners, delivering impressive cameos for the Reds.
The Scotland under-21 international is enjoying a meteoric rise this season after making the switch south of the border from Celtic.
The powerful attacker has chalked up eight goals for the Anfield club's under-18s, whilst also making his Premier League debut as he mixes with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk.
Last night the 17-year-old, from Dalry, stepped into the FA Cup arena as Liverpool dumped out Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round replay.
It's an already incredible story for the North Ayrshire lad, who started life at Somerset Park with Ayr United's Football Academy.
Ex-Ayr coach, Liam Anderson, has told how Doak came swiftly through the ranks at Somerset, as he shone playing alongside players two years older than him.
Now employed in the United States at Almaden FC, Anderson first worked with Doak in 2014 when the youngster rocked up to the under-11s.
And Anderson has told of the 'wow' moment when Doak sealed his move to Celtic, hitting seven-goals over two games against Hamilton.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo Anderson said: “When he played for Ayr under-11s, he was actually a year younger. Most of the boys were ten and he was only eight or nine.
"The way he plays now is the same as it was back then; he had that raw pace, power, a natural eye for goal and was scoring for fun.
"Ben was playing more as a striker and attitude-wise, he just got on with his job. We never had any problems with him, he was a down-to-earth-boy."
Anderson has told how Doak was an instant standout in a team which included Fraser Bryden - who burst on the first team scene at Somerset last year.
He added: “The moment I remember where we thought ‘wow!’ was actually the day Celtic had approached him, Ayr were playing against Hamilton Academical’s Academy.
"At the time, it was seven-a-side and he played two games back-to-back and must have scored seven goals. He was unplayable that day, against players older than him.
"He was taking players on, scoring every type of goal and was faster than everyone. You could tell at that early age, he had potential.”
Doak then made a move to Celtic where he continued to push through the ranks. Last January he made his debut for Ange Postecoglu's Hoops, coming on as a sub against Rangers.
But two months later he sealed the move to Premier League giants Liverpool.
At Anfield, Doak's aggressive and direct style has earned him the name the 'Scottish Rooney' and Anderson has urged people to 'believe the hype.'
"I think that is a great comparison,” Anderson added. “When I coached him, he was very much a Rooney-type player. Even though he was a bit smaller, he still pushed players off the ball and banged in goals for fun."
Anderson has tipped Doak for the very top and has shared his pride in helping the youngster achieve his dreams.
He added: “I am very proud, not of myself as a coach, but of Ben and how well he is doing. I still keep in contact with him and get updates on how he is doing.
"The world is at his feet and he has the potential to play at the highest level."
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