Swindon Town youth goalkeeper Jamie Stephens enjoys experience of training with Liverpool (From Gazette Series)

Swindon Town youth goalkeeper Jamie Stephens enjoys experience of training with Liverpool

9:16am Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez was keeping an eye on Wotton-under-Edge teenager Jamie Stephens during a training session at the Premiership club last week.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper spent five days training with the Reds’ Academy and will continue to be monitored by the Merseyside club, who sent a scout to watch Stephens in action for the Swindon Town youth team against Yeovil Town last Saturday morning.

Stephens met Liverpool legend and Academy Ambassador, Kenny Dalglish, and on the final day went to the first team’s Melwood training ground where he trained with first-team goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero and second choice to Pepe Reina, Diego Calvalieri, before meeting Spaniard Benitez.

“He was very polite, he said ‘I saw you train, good lad’ and shook my hand,” said Stephens of Benitez.

“Kenny is brilliant, he’s a lively character and very funny.”

Stephens said the week was “an amazing experience” and was given a big incentive before returning to Swindon.

“They said they would be keeping in touch,” he said.

“Every day and every game you want to do better and want to impress.”

Former Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School pupil Stephens also got to taste the unique atmosphere at Anfield as he watched Liverpool beat Blackburn 2-1 in the Premiership.

It was the second time he had been to the historic ground - he watched them against Middlesbrough last season after playing for Swindon against Liverpool in an under-16s match, when it is believed he first caught their attention.

“It’s an amazing atmosphere, they’ve got very passionate fans, it’s amazing place to be, amazing football, everything you want,” said an enthusiastic Stephens.

“The Academy is unbelievable. They have so much staff, everyone is so polite, and kind, it’s really friendly, like a family club.”

Stephens was in awe as he took in the Academy facilities, which included a third generation indoor astro pitch and a full size outdoor third generation pitch and felt he adapted well as the week went on.

“I found it very hard, high intensity and very technical but I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“I learned people’s names throughout the week and got on really well with the lads.

“The standards are a lot higher, they have all the facilities and everything is catered for them.”

Stephens says he now has a better idea of what is required to make it to the top of the game.

He said: “You have to have size, strength and ability to make it further and make the next step up.

“I’ve got a much better understanding of what standard to play at, what you need to achieve, what you need to train like and what you eat.

“I feel a lot more confident in myself but there are parts of my game I can improve on.

“I’ve been taught new techniques to put into action at Swindon.”