Cameron Brannagan determined to seize Liverpool chance

Liverpool midfielder Cameron Brannagan is desperate to impress Jurgen Klopp and avoid following discarded youngsters Jordan Ibe and Brad Smith out of the Anfield door.

Ibe joined Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth for £15million while Smith has agreed personal terms on a £6million deal to join his former team-mate on the south coast.

But Brannagan has not given up on a first-team future as Klopp’s men ramp up their pre-season preparations in the United States ahead of International Champions Cup fixtures with Chelsea, AC Milan and Barcelona.

The 20-year-old midfielder could yet head out on loan – with Bristol City, Bradford and Wigan potential destinations – but Brannagan himself is itching to make his mark for Liverpool.

“It’s a big opportunity for me and I need to keep working hard and see where it takes me,” said Brannagan.

“If I get my chance in the games then I need to try and take it and see what happens.

“That’s the target every year – to try and beat your number from last year, but I’ll have to see what happens. Hopefully I can get another chance this year and take it.”

With a loan move looming, Brannagan – who made nine first-team appearances for the Reds last season – said he has faith in Klopp’s judgement.

“If it’s not here and the manager says I need to go on loan to get first-team football there then I’ll do that,” the rising star said.

“I’m only young and want to play games to get my fitness level up. I want to show everyone what I can do.”

Sportsbeat 2016