Accrington supervisor John Doolan is hopeful of a reunion with Trent Alexander-Arnold this weekend earlier than making an attempt to mastermind a seismic FA Cup shock at former employers Liverpool.
Doolan was an academy coach at Anfield when he first noticed the expertise of a six-year-old Alexander-Arnold, whose future at Liverpool has been the topic of intense hypothesis within the final fortnight.
Whereas he accepts Alexander-Arnold could haven’t any recollection of him after practically 20 years, Doolan is optimistic of catching up with the England full-back and his mom Diane when Accrington journey to Merseyside to tackle the Premier League leaders on Saturday.
“I sorted Trent when he was six and 7, which he most likely received’t keep in mind, however his mum, Diane, would possibly, I spoke to her rather a lot,” Doolan stated.
“He was a centre-forward and you possibly can see the power he had then, scoring with each toes, might simply glide previous individuals. You would see he was an impressive expertise, even again then.
“After I moved on with my profession, I ended up going again sooner or later and he was taking part in at centre-back, which I used to be shocked at. However he didn’t look misplaced taking part in centre-back.
“That’s why he’s now taking part in right-back and he’s developed unbelievably. He’s a world-class participant.
“It could be good if he does keep in mind however it might be good to see Diane and meet up with her as effectively.”
There are 86 locations within the soccer pyramid separating Liverpool and Accrington, who sit nineteenth in League Two, so Doolan is practical about Stanley’s possibilities, even when reverse quantity Arne Slot rests a number of first-teamers.
Whereas Accrington haven’t any health considerations, they’ve been hampered by the inclement climate this week, with snow overlaying the Wham Stadium pitch and forcing them to get inventive with their preparations.
“We’ve been indoor and soccer domes, we’ve had spin and yoga courses, we’ve had the recommendation off our sports activities science particular person,” Doolan stated.
“We all know the scale of the duty, we might have had the most effective services ever however you’re speaking about taking part in Liverpool Soccer Membership.
“However Liverpool may need an off-day and we’d have an unbelievable day. We would have Girl Luck with us, you simply by no means know, it’s the magic of the cup.”
Boyhood Everton fan Doolan, whose Accrington aspect are set to take round 4,700 followers to Anfield, has one further cause for wanting to at least one up Liverpool.
“The quantity of instances I’ve gone residence on Saturday after a derby defeat,” Doolan stated with a smile. “However it might be good to get one over on them.
“I need everybody to benefit from the event. These are the issues you must keep in mind whenever you go there – it’d by no means, ever occur once more for these gamers or for the membership.
“You do need to go and luxuriate in it however we wish to go there and provides a great account of ourselves as a crew. Finally we’re knowledgeable membership so we wish to try to get ourselves within the subsequent spherical of the hat.”
