Liverpool teen making own way in game with dad an ex-Premier League ace and grandad singer & champion in different sport
THE SON of a former Premier League star is now following in his father’s footsteps after making his top-flight debut.
Liverpool came from behind to beat Luton Town 4-1 at Anfield on Wednesday night.
That result restored the Reds’ four point lead at the top of the table but it is also one that Jayden Danns will never forget.
Boss Jurgen Klopp named the 18-year-old in his injury-hit squad for the very first time – and things got even better.
Danns went on to make his senior bow as a substitute in the 89th-minute.
Now, just like his 41-year-old dad Neil who played for both Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City, he has now also appeared in the Premier League.
Danns also has a somewhat-famous grandad – with Neil Snr a backing singer for the UK’s 1987 Eurovision Song Contest entry AND a European champion skateboarder.
Neil Jnr – Jayden’s dad – once told The Bolton News: “He was a backing singer in the Eurovision Song Contest.
“And he was European skateboard champion – so I don’t know why I’m so messed up!
Liverpool-born Jayden signed for the Anfield side aged eight and has progressed right through their academy.
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He recently told the club’s website: “My long-term aim is to be the best player I can possibly be.
“I don’t want to end my career and have any regrets where I could have worked harder. I’d rather just put all the work in and try to get as much as I can from it.
“Step by step, I want to become the player that I envision.”
Danns was obviously ecstatic after the full-time whistle at making his debut – and that led to a heartwarming moment on the pitch with the opposition manager.
Klopp had a congratulatory hug for the youngster when Luton boss Rob Edwards walked over to the pair.
Edwards, who played for the likes of Aston Villa, Wolves and Blackpool during his career, placed his hand on the shoulder of Danns while pointing at him and telling Klopp: “I played against his dad!”
Neil came through the ranks at Blackburn and enjoyed loans with Blaclpool, Hartlepool and Colchester United before joining the Us permanently and helping them to promotion to the Championship.
He left for Birmingham City in 2006 and went on to play for Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Bristol City, Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Bury, Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers.
He has since embarked on a career in coaching and was player-manager at Macclesfield FC, leading them to promotion to the Northern Premier League as champions.
He left them to become assistant manager of his old side Tranmere Rovers, who are in League Two, last summer.