KID HARVEY WAS ALWAYS FROCK ’N’ ROLL
HARVEY ELLIOTT’S QPR academy kit was so big “it looked like a dress”. But that couldn’t stop the Liverpool playmaker’s march to the big stage. And Elliott’s former youth coach Scott Chickelday (right) recalled the Kop star’s early dress rehearsals: “I was the Under-11s manager at QPR, Harvey was Under-10s but we played him up an age group. “He was always the first one there, 30-45 minutes before the session which is credit to his dad, and Harvey would be the lad asking for a ball.” What Elliott lacked in height back then, he made up for in skill, desire and determination. Chickelday is adamant those years have proved to be a fundamental step in Elliott’s development. The newly-appointed Aston Villa women’s coach said: “Harvey used to dominate his own age group and needed to feel more challenged. He was never the biggest kid but Harvey has got a bit of grit, don’t worry.
“That’s what I liked about him. He was one of those that if he got knocked over, he would get back up. No moaning or anything.
“Playing up a year made him learn that sometimes you can’t get into fights and wrestles with the more physically-developed lads because it’s going to be tough to win those battles.
“It helped him release the ball faster and think about his positioning so that he received the ball in areas where he could cause real problems. His feet were incredible — we used to do skill sessions and I’d always use Harvey for demonstrations. He’d blow it out of the water every time, without fail.”
Chickelday remains in close contact with Elliott’s father Scott, and has reunited with the England U21 attacker to help sharpen his tools during the off-season.
He hailed Elliott’s work ethic and is adamant his numbers are destined to explode. “Harvey sets high standards and I think he’s shown a great attitude at Liverpool,” Chickelday added. “Some young players when they weren’t playing would have been on to their agents about a transfer or loan. Unfortunately, he’s got one of the best players in the world ahead of him in his position, Mohamed Salah. “But Harvey loves to learn from Mo and will play wherever he’s asked, he’s that sort of kid. “Once he gets a run on that right flank, I think he’ll produce consistent numbers in terms of goals and assists. Don’t forget he is only 20.” Elliott has been one of the unsung heroes of Liverpool’s season having made several vital contributions from the bench. Now he’s out to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s best XI and there is a high likelihood he will start today at Bournemouth. Chickelday concluded: “Harvey’s attitude is spot on. When he’s told he’s not starting, he will still think about how he can affect that game. “I don’t think it’ll be long before he starts knocking on that England door.”