winter-break and wouldn’t play against Shrewsbury in the
replay I just thought ‘this is my chance to push on now and
prove to everyone what I can do’. Although I was disappointed
not to be involved in the Villa game, I felt it was my chance to
put that right and show everyone why I deserve to be in the
team.
AT WHAT POINT DID YOU DISCOVER YOU’D BOTH BE
STARTING AT ANFIELD AGAINST SHREWSBURY IN THE
FA CUP FOURTH-ROUND REPLAY?
Jake: The day before it, really, in the walk-through. We had
an idea about the team when we all trained together in the
days before the game, but it was only the day before when the
nerves were kicking in for me.
Leighton: It was a good feeling to know I was starting and I
only got nervous on the day of the game. We trained together
before it three times as a squad to get an understanding
between us. It was a big game for all of us, not just myself.
Jake: I was nervous so in the dressing-room before kick-
off I spoke to a few of the lads who’d already had first-team
experience. They were just saying ‘trust yourself’ and that
once I got myself into the game I’d be fine. They helped me
through it and after the first couple of minutes I settled in and
the crowd were very supportive of everyone.
Leighton: Walking out at Anfield and hearing You’ll Never
Walk Alone being sung is a moment I won’t forget. It gave me
goosebumps until the game kicked off. It almost makes you
feel up for it even more. The Liverpool fans were behind us
and once I’d had a few touches of the ball I settled in and just
played my normal game.DID IT HELP PLAYING IN THE SAME MIDFIELD AS EACH
OTHER? AND DID YOU EXPECT TO WIN?
Leighton: We’ve been playing in the same midfield for years
and I’m best mates with Jake so it was a good feeling knowing
he was there with me playing in the same game.
Jake: I’d say exactly the same thing. Obviously there is also
an expectation level when you play at Anfield and while I
wouldn’t say it played on our minds, we didn’t want to let the
fans down. You don’t want to give a bad impression of yourselfWALKING OUT AT ANFIELD
AND HEARING YOU’LL NEVER
WALK ALONE BEING SUNG IS A
MOMENT I WON’T FORGET –
IT GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS
UNTIL THE GAME KICKED OFF