GMS praying for Kop title win .. even though the Dutchman ruined his big Hoops moment
GAVIN BERRY
GARY MACKAY-STEVEN still remembers Virgil van Dijk ruining his big night in the San Siro after his red card for Celtic against Inter Milan.
But all will be forgiven if his former Parkhead team-mate can help Liverpool end a 28-year wait to get their hands on the English league title.
And the Aberdeen winger, who enjoyed two years at Anfield as a kid, would love nothing more than seeing ex-Dundee United pal Andy Robertson join the Dutchman in making history on Merseyside.
Van Dijk and Scotland skipper Robertson have been two of the standout performers for Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds who lead the Premier League by seven points ahead of tonight’s mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.
Mackay-Steven spent a season with Robertson at Tannadice before joining £75million man van Dijk at Parkhead midway through the 2014-15 season.
GMS made his home Hoops debut in the thrilling 3-3 Europa League last-32 clash against Inter Milan but was subbed before half-time in the return after van Dijk’s first-half red card in the 1-0 loss for Ronny Deila’s side.
And the 28-year-old said: “It’s funny but Virgil ruined my San Siro night!
“My debut at Parkhead was the first leg against Inter Milan and it was an amazing atmosphere. The second leg was huge because we sport@dailyrecord.co.uk had drawn 3-3 in Glasgow and we played well in the first half and then Virgil got himself sent off.
“After that my number went up to come off so we were both sitting in the dressing room unhappy – I certainly wasn’t happy with Virgil!
“When you go down to 10 men then as an attacking player you always hope you aren’t the one to be sacrificed but that night I was and it was cut short for me.
“It was only my second game so I couldn’t say too much but seriously he’s a great guy and so humble and was a leader who helped everyone off the pitch.
“When I first joined Celtic, Virgil was similar to what he is now in that it all seemed so easy for him. He’s big, strong, quick and on the ball technically gifted.
“I remember at Celtic he used to take our free-kicks and he could strike from 25 yards and nine times out of 10 it would end up in the top corner.
“He also used to dribble out and you’d think, ‘Yeah, he’s special’. You’d hear rumours of clubs looking at him and you knew he could play at the highest level.
“It’s the same with Andy who is also a leader and it’s no surprise to see he’s captain of Scotland.
“We still keep in touch through social media and it’s great to see him become such a big player for Liverpool and Scotland.
“He’s such a down-to-earth guy and Andy’s style suits Liverpool down to the ground because attacking wise he’s always an option for 90 minutes and his final ball is second to none.
“He’s got so much energy and is so quick and with the way Liverpool play he’s such an attacking outlet as well as doing his defensive duties because of his engine, fitness and pace.
“He has all the attributes you need as an attacking full-back and he has one of the highest number of assists from that left side so it’s no surprise to see how highly regarded he is.
“My overwhelming feeling when I watch Andy and Virgil is I’m just delighted for two of my former team-mates but because they were great guys as well as great players.
“They have got so much in their locker that has enabled them to get to the top such as their mentality, the way they are off the pitch – they work so hard off the pitch.
“It’s a credit to both of them they’ve carried on doing what they started off in Scotland and if they get their hands on the title there would be no two more deserving players.”
Liverpool fans sense this is