Liverpool wonderkid and reported Derby County transfer target Jayden Danns says he is ready to snap up any opportunities coming his way after scoring against Accrington Stanley in the 4-0 FA Cup win.
The 18-year-old was making oinly his second appearance of the season after impressing under Jurgen Klopp in last season’s FA Cup win over Southampton, and the youngster is widely tipped as a big star of the future.
It is that recognition and anticipation which has seen him linked with a number of clubs in the January transfer window, including Paul Warne’s Rams.
Speaking after beating Accrington, Slot admitted he does not know if Danns, who is the son of former Crystal Palace and Leicester City midfielder Neil Danns., will leave the club temporarily this month.
Reds boss Arne Slot praised the striker’s mentality as he paid tribute to the club’s academy: “The last thing (going out on loan in January), I don’t know at the moment,” he said. “For us, it (today) was all about the players who hadn’t played that much yet, to give them playing time. And we gave some playing time to a few youngsters.
“What I like most about him (Danns) and most of the academy players is the mentality they have.
“What his potential is, that probably needs some time to find out if he, in the end, will be a starter for us but he will have a very good career because of his mentality, I’m very sure of.”
But after scoring his third Liverpool goal against the League Two outfit, Danns is now itching to make up for lost time as he thanked Slot for putting faith in him.
“Obviously delighted to get my goal,” he told ITV Sport after the final whistle. “I don’t know what it is [about the FA Cup] but [I’m] buzzing to keep scoring!
“Obviously the manager has put faith in me today and I’m grateful for it. I scored and I’m really grateful for the opportunity he’s given me. Hopefully I can do even more [and] he gives me more opportunities.
“They [Accrington] offered a lot. It’s tough, first-team football is a completely different level [with] big lads. So when I’m coming on, it’s tough to keep the ball but it’s a good challenge. I think I did well but hopefully more to come.”
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He continued: “I’ve been out for a while – five months. So coming back, first-team football is a different intensity to any football. So, just work as hard as I can, try to get into the groove of it and then [use] any opportunity to sniff a goal out.
“Obviously I made an impact last season. It’s not really any frustration from me. I’m young, there’s still a lot more to do hopefully, a lot more I can do. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, speaking to LFC TV after the final whistle, Danns admitted he does not know if he will leave on loan this month as he elaborated on his injury frustration.
“Yeah, (wait and see) 100%,” he said. “He’s given me the opportunity and I’ve taken it so hopefully there are more opportunities to come.
“I’m buzzing to get another goal, I don’t know what it is with that corner. When I score, I don’t know what I’m doing so I just run over there!
“It’s been tough for me, five months out, missed pre-season. But I kept my head in it, I kept going. I’m desperate to be part of it. When an opportunity comes, try to take them. Just keep my head down, stay humble and keep working.
“I had an Under-21s game coming back for fitness, and I felt heavy to be honest! Going out there, I felt a lot lighter and quicker on my feet. I’m happy to be a part of it and happy my goal contributed.”
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