I WANT TO WALK OUT, NOT JUST COME ON

Elliott stakes his claim for full-time role rather than as a ‘supersub’

HARVEY ELLIOTT felt like he was back at school yesterday, but is learning quickly enough to push Jurgen Klopp for a starting spot.

The gifted Liverpool wideman, 21, hopes to get the nod for tonight’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Atalanta.

He has made his name as a supersub since joining from Fulham as an exciting, talented teenager.

Indeed, Elliott has started in only six of his 27 Premier League appearances this term.

But, with his growing pedigree and influence, there is a feeling he could now take more of a leading role, especially with games coming thick and fast in Liverpool’s final

Treble-chasing push.

Elliott said: “Quite frankly,

I’m wanting to be starting games. I want to be one of those players walking out rather than coming on.

“I’m not saying I’m not grateful for every opportunity I get in a Liverpool shirt.

“But I want to kick on for myself. I’m not a kid any more. I’m a man and I’m growing up quickly.

“I’ve got to take responsibilities in my own hands and, if that means knocking on the gaffer’s door, it has to happen.

“I don’t like to kick up too much of a fuss. I’m part of the team and I don’t want to look like I’m selfish. But I want to cement my spot in this team.”

Elliott says Liverpool have quickly put the disappointment of dropping two points at Old Trafford behind them as they prepare to face Serie A opposition tonight.

“It’s the same preparation for any other game – although here it’s like being in school again!” he joked, referring to the larger Anfield press room compared to their usual training facility.

“We’re focusing on facing a tough side. Atalanta are a very attacking team who have scored many goals this season. We’re going to have to be organised defensively.

They’re a great team and if we let them get many opportunities, they will take them.”

The Europa League is one trophy that has eluded Klopp as a boss.

Elliott says Liverpool will try to make sure that is corrected before the German bows out at the end of the season.

But Atalanta pose plenty of threat, not least from 13-goal leading scorer Teun

Koopmeiners, 26.

The Dutch striker

(above) will have a key role as they bid to become the first side to win at

Anfield this season.

But Elliott has also not given up hope of forcing his way into Gareth

Southgate’s England Euros squad. “I’ve not had any conversations at the moment,” he added.

“My main priority is just Liverpool. If I put in performances here, you never know what’s around the corner.”