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Tiago Ilori is ready to step up his pursuit of a place in Brendan Rodgers’ side after pulling on a Liverpool FC shirt for the first time.

The £7million centre-back, who joined the Reds from Sporting Lisbon on deadline day, produced an assured display in the under-21s’ 5-2 win over Sunderland at Anfield on Monday night.

Ilori is still building up his fitness after missing most of pre-season in Portugal with a broken hand, but the London-born defender has spent the past fortnight training with his new team-mates at Melwood.

“I loved playing in the game and it was a great win,” Ilori said. “I hope I can carry on winning at Anfield. Every player wants to play whether it’s in the first team or the reserves.

“I want to get as many minutes as I can. I didn’t have a proper pre-season due to injuring my hand but it’s good to be back fit now. I’m enjoying it here. Brendan Rodgers seems like a great guy and a great coach. I will do my best for the club.”

With Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and £15million signing Mamadou Sakho for competition, Ilori faces a battle to force his way into the first team.

The 20-year-old has been bought for the long-term but is confident he has the qualities required to shine in the Premier League after deciding to return to the country of his birth.

“This is the best league in the world and it has always been a dream of mine to come and play here,” he said.

“It’s never easy leaving the country you grew up in but it wasn’t that difficult because I knew I was doing what I wanted to do.

“That made it easier. I was aware of a couple of other clubs that were interested but the way Liverpool dealt with it and spoke with me made it an easier choice.

“The club’s history played a part but it was more about their approach and the way they dealt with me. I felt that this was the place to be.

“I don’t think I’m such a fighter like a typical centre-back, but I can be aggressive when I need to. I like to take the ball out. I’m quick as well.”

Ilori shattered the sprint records previously held by Sporting Lisbon old boys Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani during his time in Portugal.

He also progressed from the youth ranks to become a first-team regular in the second half of last season and has proved he has the temperament for the big occasions.

“It’s true that they have speed tests at Sporting and in one of them I have the record,” Ilori added.

“Over 30 metres it’s something like three seconds. I learned a lot at Sporting. The biggest game I’ve ever played in was away to Benfica last season. It was in front of 62,000 people. We lost 2-0 but we really well and it was a great experience.”