Calvin Ramsay wasn’t expecting to get much kip after finally making his Liverpool debut on the biggest stage the other night. But the Scotland youngster knows there’s not much need for sleep when your dreams have just come true.
Ramsay had to endure a nightmare start to life at Anfield following his £6.5m move from Aberdeen in the summer after he arrived with an injured back and then damaged his ankle on day one of training. He battled his way back and made a sensational impact for Liverpool’s under 21s – with the full back bagging two goals in his first three games to blast his way on to Jurgen Klopp ’s radar.
The Reds boss reckons Ramsay is going to be a superstar and lobbed him on for the closing 10 minutes or so in Tuesday’s Champions League victory against red hot Napoli. Liverpool qualified convincingly – but Ramsay was on top of the world after finally getting a taste of the big time.
As for a night’s sleep, he joked afterwards, “I don't think so! None at all probably! I'm delighted.”
Ramsay admitted it was a special night for the 19-year-old and his family who were in the stands. He said: “I was a bit nervous, to be honest. Since I came to the club I've been injured but I'm just delighted to be back now.
“I've played a few games with the under 21s and built up my fitness. So to be back in the first-team squad and come on, my family there, it’s a moment I won't forget. It's hard to describe it, to be honest.
"It's just a dream come true, something I've dreamed of as a little kid. To actually be playing in the Champions League, it's just amazing.”
But this is just the start of Ramsay’s dream. The youngster has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Reds hero Andy Robertson and now he’s made the breakthrough the Pittodrie product is determined to make sure he remains there.
It's good news for Scotland as well and Ramsay said: “I just need to keep working hard in training, try to prove what I can do. And if I keep working hard, I'm sure I'll get more opportunities – Champions League, Premier League, whatever it may be. So hopefully I can get more minutes under my belt.”
Scotland’s young player of the year last term certainly has the faith of his gaffer. Klopp hinted a few weeks ago Ramsay’s career was about to lift off.
The Reds boss said: “A real talent. I was really excited about him and I am excited about him. Now we start working, that's it. It's how it is for all of them in that age group, the sky is the limit.”
Ramsay is up and away and he relished the chance to help Liverpool see off Napoli late on and seal the win. He told Liverpool TV: "It was good. Obviously we knew it was going to be a tough game, we knew what they were going to come here and do. But I'm just delighted to get three points.
"And to come on and make my debut in the Champions League is a special moment. To have my family here as well, it makes it even more special. I was delighted.”
Liverpool have made a bumpy start to the season in the Premier League and Ramsay’s right back rival Trent Alexander-Arnold has copped flak despite previously being rated as one of the best in the business. It’s up to the Scot to pile on the pressure but he was glad some of the heat on Klopp was eased by the victory over the Serie A men.
Ramsay said: “They're a top team, we knew that. To play the way we did and keep a clean sheet on the form they've been on, it's a very good result.”
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