It didn’t take long for Conor Coady’s phone to start beeping with congratulatory messages after the on-loan Liverpool midfielder helped Sheffield United book a day at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old was part of the Blades outfit that downed Charlton Athletic 2-0 last weekend and set up an FA Cup semifinal clash against Hull City at the home of English soccer next month.
Having joined the League One side for six months last summer — a deal that was later extended to the end of the current season — the tenacious Scouser Coady has flourished at Bramall Lane.
His progress has been tracked back at his parent club, too, and several friends and teammates from the academy at Liverpool were quick to pass on their delight with the youngster’s achievements.
“I keep in contact with the young lads, like Raheem [Sterling] and a couple of the other lads out on loan,” Coady said. “They’ve sent me a couple of texts.
“They’re made up for me. We’re all mates. They’ve been fantastic, and I’m just looking forward to the semifinal now. We’ll go there with no pressure on us as underdogs, play the way we have been playing and hopefully come out with a result.”
Brendan Rodgers was suitably impressed to hand Coady a senior debut for the Reds last season, before the England youth international then made his Barclays Premier League debut in May 2013.
He’s well aware of the fierce competition for places within the Northern Irishman’s midfield at present, but the tough tackler believes his stay in Sheffield has proven highly beneficial so far.
On his chances of gaining further first-team soccer when he returns to Anfield, Coady said, “It’s going to be tough, but this season will help me massively.
“I had a couple of seasons playing U-21 football, and this was the season for me to go out and learn my trade. To come to a club like this has been fantastic. I couldn’t ask for any more. When you go on a loan move, you want one like this.
“The manager and the staff at Liverpool all take an interest in how I am getting on at Sheffield United. They will often text or call, and it is nice to know that I am still in their thoughts. They haven’t just sent me out and left me.
“As I say, it’s up to me now to prove I can cut it. That’s what I am aiming for at Wembley, and in the remaining league games as well. It’s a big challenge for me, but I’m well up for it.”
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Photo via Twitter/@LFC
