Partridge a 'nervous wreck' on debut - November 30, 2000
Dubliner Richie Partridge came through his debut for Liverpool last night in their 8-0 demolition of Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium but before the game he has admitted he was in a terrible state with nerves.
Winger Partridge is a rare breed as he hugs the touchline at all times and he showed for Liverpool last night that he has something to offer at the highest level.
To be fair Liverpool were fortunate to win by such a big margin because they definitely weren't eight goals better than Stoke. If the Second Division club had taken some of their early chances it would have been a completely different story - but they didn't and they got hammered.
Partridge admitted after the game that he was glad it was all over after a day that he will never forget because of the state he got into with nerves.
He said: "I was in a terrible state before the game. I expected to be nervous but I didn't think I would be quite so bad.
"As soon as the game started and I got my first touch I felt okay but, during the hours leading up to the match and then the warm-up on the pitch, my stomach was doing somersaults. I'm glad it's all over now and I'm sure I won't be anywhere near as nervous next time.
"My mum, my brother and my sister all flew over from Dublin to watch the match and it was nice for me to know they were in the stands for my first game. I'm sure they were proud, just as I was proud to make my first appearance for Liverpool.
"The boss told me just to go out and play my normal game. He said not to worry about making mistakes because even the best players make an error from time to time.
"It was a wonderful experience for me and I can honestly say I loved every single minute of it. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Not many players can say they made their debut in an 8-0 victory but the lads were brilliant on the night and we thoroughly deserved to win the game.'
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier was satisfied with Richie's performance. He said: "I've known for a while that Richie has been close to the first team and this was the right time to give him the chance to show us what he can do. He did well and I was pleased with him."