Liverpool youngster Michael Ngoo has explained why he chose to join Liverpool over rivals Man United – the influence of Kenny Dalglish.
Ngoo signed for Liverpool in 2009, as a 16 year-old, from Southend United, but had represented arch-rivals United during a trial spell, even being part of their side that won the Milk Cup. But he opted for Liverpool instead and explains how Dalglish, who was involved in the Liverpool academy, was a major reason.
The 20 year-old told The Daily Record “I ended up choosing Liverpool. Kenny was a big influence as academy manager at Liverpool. We had a lot of conversations and he even used to come out and train with us sometimes.
“He was always around and passing on great advice for us all. He was absolute quality in training. He would always have a laugh and a joke but when he starts doing the tricks and skills you could see how good he was in his prime.”
Dalglish was recently linked with a return to Liverpool in some capacity and a return to his involvement at the academy would no doubt be welcomed by all.
Ngoo is currently enjoying a successful loan spell north of the border with Hearts, scoring three in his 10 appearances so far.
Hearts face St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Final and Ngoog is looking forward to hopefully winning his first trophy as a player. “My move to Hearts has exceeded my expectations and it is a dream come true to be playing at Hampden in my first senior cup final.
“I was at Wembley last year with Liverpool. All the reserve players went to watch and even celebrated with the boys afterwards.”
Ngoo is hoping his performances at Hearts can help him break into Brendan Rodgers first-team plans. “I hope to have done enough to be considered one of the young players in Brendan’s plans for next season,” he said.
“Liverpool have DVDs of all my performances for Hearts. I am always getting texts from the staff at Liverpool.
“Maybe the manager there will be looking for other things in his team such as height and strength. There are different reasons he could put me in.
“I’m glad I have been a challenge for very good defenders in the SPL in my first top-flight run-in. If I keep working then I could be a Plan B for Liverpool.”
The Hearts fans have certainly enjoyed having Ngoo, and sing this about the 6ft 6inch forward:
He’s just too good to be true,
Can’t take my eyes off Ngoo,
He’s got a brilliant first touch,
We want to buy him so much,
At long last a striker has arrived,
Makes Hearts a much better side,
He’s just too good to be true,
Can’t take my eyes off Ngoo.
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