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The No 40 shirt – a cherished memento from the biggest night of Ryan Kent’s blossoming career - takes pride of place in the family home.

It was handed over by the teenage Liverpool winger to his parents Stan and Anne after making his debut in last month’s FA Cup third round tie with Exeter City.

For one of the Academy’s most exciting young talents, it was the realisation of a dream he had been pursuing from the day he first walked into the Kirkby Academy when he was seven years old.

“I was overwhelmed to make my debut,” Kent told the ECHO.

“It was something I had wanted to do for so long. It was all that hard work paying off.

“It was a big achievement for myself and my family. I knew it was my chance to show the manager and the fans what I could do.

“The shirt I wore that night is already framed. I gave it to my mum and dad. That’s for them.

“It’s just a token of thanks. They are the ones who have spent the past 10 years driving me up and down motorways so I could go training and play.

“All those late nights and early starts. A lot of their life has been devoted to me. What I do is for them really. I owe them everything.”

MY HEROES WERE DAVID EYRES AND RONALDINHO

The 19-year-old grew up in Oldham and was a regular at Boundary Park before he caught the eye of Liverpool scouts when he was playing for Chaddy End FC.

“My dad took me along to watch Oldham from the age of four,” he said.

“My dad used to always talk to me about players like Roger Palmer and Andy Ritchie but the one I used to watch closely was David Eyres because he was a winger like me.

“I had to stop going when I started playing on Saturdays. I’ve never wanted to do anything else but play football.

“I always looked up to Ronaldinho. He was a big inspiration to me. I’d watch his videos as a kid. He always played with a smile on his face which I think is important.

“I was always out in the back garden having a kickaround with my dad. He’s been the biggest influence on me.

“When I played for Chaddy End scouts would be at our games all the time. One day one of them approached my dad and invited me down to a satellite centre Liverpool had based in Manchester.

“The top players from that graduated on to the Academy when they thought you were ready.”

KENT TURNED DOWN UNITED AND CITY

Kent was also being pursued by a number of other clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City.

He spent time at both but ultimately snubbed their advances and opted to commit himself to Liverpool.

“I first came here when I was seven but I couldn’t sign officially until I was nine,” he said.

“I was still going to places like United and City but then at the age of nine I had to make a decision.

“At the time it just felt like the right place for me. My family were happy with me coming here. The coaching and the facilities were the best around.

“It was a nice choice to have. Some people said I should have gone more local, to United or City, but I was happy with the choice I made and I’ve never regretted it. It’s paid off.”

Kent’s reputation grew as he progressed through the youth ranks.

After a flying start to last season with Liverpool Under-21s, he was hampered by a back injury but it was a sign of the Reds’ huge faith in his ability that he was handed a four-and-a-half year contract last March.

In pre-season Brendan Rodgers named him in the squad for the tour of the Far East and Australia, and he came off the bench against Brisbane Roar.

“The tour was a great experience for me,” he said.

“It was nice to be in and around the first team in that environment. I learned a lot about being professional and how seriously even friendly games are taken.”

SPELL AT COVENTRY HELPED ME SO MUCH

Liverpool were inundated with loan offers for Kent and back in September he headed for Coventry City.

The rough and tumble of League One was a world away from playing Academy football but he embraced the challenge – both on and off the pitch.

“I needed to go out to play men’s football and to see if I could compete with the demands of the game,” he said.

“It was a lot different to what I had been used to. The games are a lot quicker and a lot more physical. I was playing in front of 15,000 every week.

“The pitches weren’t as good as you are used to at under-21s level. And I got clattered pretty much every game!

“They are things you have to deal with. Tony Mowbray was a great manager to play for.

“He was really helpful. He allowed me to go and express myself, so I could show the fans what I could do. Of course there were defensive duties I had to take care of but when I had the ball he gave me a lot of freedom.

“I was living in a flat in Coventry and cooking for myself, well, mainly microwave meals! I’m not the best of cooks.

“Thankfully, I had friends coming down to stay who looked after me.”

I CAME BACK TO LIVERPOOL A BETTER PLAYER

In late December Kent got a phone call from his agent to tell him that he was being recalled by Liverpool the following week. Klopp wanted him in the squad for the FA Cup trip to Exeter City.

His 17th and final appearance for Coventry was a 5-0 win at Crewe when on his return to the dressing room he got a standing ovation from his team-mates.

“It was mixed emotions really,” he said. “I was really enjoying myself at Coventry. I was playing proper football week in week out which is what you need at my age to develop as a player.

“I got on well with everyone and I hope they go on to achieve great things this season.

“But to get a call to come back here and be around the first team was massive.

“I came back a better player. I have grown professionally, knowing what it takes to be a first team player. Being around a lot of experienced players who have had great careers showed me the way.

“I definitely developed more technically – knowing the right times to dribble with the ball.”

(Image: 2016 Getty Images)

KLOPP’S FAITH IN YOUTH MOTIVATES US ALL

Kent had already met Klopp having been invited to train at Melwood during the November international break.

“I trained with them that week and got to introduce myself,” he said. “I was able to show him what I could do and I think that’s what prompted the move back here last month.

“It’s different to what I’ve been used to. There’s a big emphasis on defending and work rate – something he demands at all times.

“But it’s a lot calmer environment. The players are a lot more chilled and it’s a good place to be.

“The first-team lads have all been helpful. They show you the way.

“I am based at Melwood now. But if I play for the under-21s then I’m at the Academy for the recovery sessions.”

Kent, who since passing his driving test has moved back into the family home in Oldham, knew a couple of days in advance that he would be making his debut against Exeter.

“I could tell when we worked on the team shape that I was starting,” he said.

“I was feeling a bit nervous but it was mostly excitement because I knew it was a big chance for me.

“I was happy with how it went but you can’t dwell on that moment because I need to kick on from there and hopefully get more chances.”

As well as Kent, Klopp has handed debuts to rookies Connor Randall, Joe Maguire, Tiago Ilori, Kevin Stewart and Sheyi Ojo since his arrival.

The likes of Jerome Sinclair, Brad Smith and Pedro Chirivella have also featured.

“We are lucky to be at a club like this under a manager who is willing to give opportunities to young players,” Kent said.

“Not many top clubs do that so we have to make the most of it.”

I NEED TO PUSH ON FROM HERE

Having had a taste of first-team action, Kent wants more.

The England Under-20s international, who will be on duty for Liverpool Under-21s when they take on Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, has his sights set on a Premier League bow over the coming months.

“I am more hungry than ever because I know how close it is,” Kent added.

“It’s down to me to show Jurgen Klopp what I’m capable of doing and that I can fit into the first team.

“My main aim now is to make my debut in the league. I have to work hard and prove I deserve that opportunity.”

* Tickets for Liverpool Under-21s' clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday (kick-off 2pm) cost just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. Entry is free to LFC season ticket holders. To buy tickets call 0843 170 5555 or go to the Anfield ticket office.