Bobby Clark reflects on "mad" Premier League debut

Darwin Nunez's 99th-minute header secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, ensuring the Reds remained at the summit of the league.

For Clark, the occasion was particularly memorable as the 19-year-old was awarded his debut league start by Jürgen Klopp, marking a significant milestone in his career. Playing in the midfield for 60 minutes before being substituted for Wataru Endo, Clark later has now expressed his pride in an interview with Liverpool FC.

Bobby Clark grateful to end Premier League debut on a winning note

“Oh, a great way for it to end!” said Clark. “Obviously I was grateful to get my first Premier League start.

“When I came off, obviously things were out of my control. But I knew that something was coming and [to do that] late was top!

“It’s mad but I always had the feeling we were going to do something with the top players we’ve got in the front of the pitch, and Alexis [Mac Allister] with the calmness at the end and Darwin putting it in, it was top!”

Before this match, Clark also started in Liverpool's Emirates FA Cup fifth-round victory over Southampton, continuing to maintain his position in Klopp's starting lineup for the match against Forest.

Clark revealed his anticipation for the game began during Friday's training session. Despite feeling he could have performed better, he found the experience satisfactory.

Liverpool's younger players, including Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas, and James McConnell, have been making significant contributions lately, with Clark, an England youth international, relishing the challenges of competing at the highest level.

He attributed his confidence and performance to the support from Klopp and his teammates, emphasising the importance of a supportive manager.

"It all comes from the gaffer and all the players,” he said. “They fill you with confidence and they let you do your thing, so it comes from there.

“That’s the main thing. If you don’t have a manager like that, it’s going to be much harder. Whenever I’m coming on or starting, he just lets me do my thing and fills me with confidence.”