CONOR COADY admits he realised a boyhood dream after making his Liverpool debut in their 1-0 defeat to Anzhi Makhachkala in Moscow.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has been with the Academy since the age of eight, impressed as a second string Reds side were edged out by Lacina Traore’s first-half strike.

Liverpool slipped to second place in Europa League Group A – level on six points with Young Boys who beat Udinese 3-2 last night. Russian big-spenders Anzhi lead the way on seven points.

Coady had been an unused substitute for the first team on three previous occasions going back 18 months but was delighted to finally get his chance to shine.

“It was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of it,” said Coady.

“It was a big night for me and my family. It’s every boy’s dream to play for Liverpool.

“You have to be patient, bide your time and work hard in training.

“I’ve waited a long time for this day and it was really special to get out there and play.

“I put my all into it and I was made up to make my debut. I was happy with the way I played and I thought all the boys did well. Hopefully it’s the first appearance of many for me.”

Playing in a defensive midfield role, Coady helped Brendan Rodgers’ side deal with the attacking threat of Anzhi strikers Samuel Eto’o and Traore for 45 minutes.

However, they were undone in first half stoppage time when Traore flicked the ball over Sebastian Coates and lobbed Brad Jones.

Coady was one of four teenagers in the starting line-up, along with Jon Flanagan, Andre Wisdom and Adam Morgan.

“I thought we were a bit unlucky not to get anything from the game,” added Coady. “It was a mistake for their goal and we were gutted to concede just before half-time.

“We sat in there, competed with them and I thought we were fantastic tactically.

“As a young lad you want to play against the best players in the world and to come up against Eto’o was great. He’s still up there with the best – a class act. We’re just disappointed not to get a result, but we will bounce back from this and become better.

“It’s fantastic to play under Brendan. He has given a lot of us young lads games this season and it’s great he has shown that faith.”