Liverpool academy goalkeeper Shamal George had his first appearance for the Reds against Huddersfield Town, in circumstances he could never have foreseen.
The 18-year-old, who has been on the bench in recent friendlies and was included in European squads last season, was introduced as second-half substitute after Lucas Leiva picked a hamstring injury in the Reds’ 2-0 win.
George, who will travel to America with the first-team squad on Thursday, was moved up front – and almost had a fairytale story when he was put through on goal but was ruled offside.
When Liverpool were handed a 90th minute penalty, the away fans were calling for the youngster to be given the kick-taking duties but left-back Alberto Moreno tucked it away instead.
George’s efforts, playing 25 minutes, earned him a trademark hug from Jurgen Klopp post-match.
On the decision not to allow George to take the penalty, Klopp said: “Even though it doesn’t look like it all the time these games are quite serious – we don’t want to make joke games.
“It is nice when the crowd calls it in but at 1-0 in no game in the world should you make a ‘funny’ decision.
“If it is 4-0 or 5-0 you can think about it but even then it is a lack of respect for the opponent.”
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