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Calliste: I'm determined to repay Anfield faith
Oct 13 2005
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By Paul Walker, Daily Post
WALES Under-21 striker Ramon Calliste has vowed to make a success of his Liverpool career after being axed by Manchester United.
The 19-year-old was outstanding as the Wales youngsters beat Azerbaijan 3-0 in their final UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier on Tuesday night - their biggest competitive victory in nine years.
Calliste, born in Cardiff, was once saddled with the 'new Ryan Giggs' tag,, but he failed to make the grade at Old Trafford and is anxious to make the most of his second chance with a Premiership club.
He has been given a one-year contract by the European champions, whose scout Frank McParland rescued him from potential obscurity.
Calliste said: "Frankie Mac rang me and told me he has seen me playing as a 13-year-old and hadn't forgotten me. I can't thank him enough. Now I have no intention of letting Liverpool down."
Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn hailed Calliste's display at Newport and praised both his recent performances for his country.
Calliste said: "I was pleased with the display, but I felt I played even better last week in Germany. But it is certainly good to put together back-to-back performances that have pleased the boss.
"I was just disappointed that I didn't score, I had a few chances but was also involved in the buildup to goals, which is pleasing. I must keep working hard, and especially on my finishing because I had a couple of chances when I was clear."
Calliste accepts he has been given a wonderful chance to prove his ability by Liverpool, where he has become a member of a new-look elite youth group set-up this summer by manager Rafael Benitez to work alongside the senior players.
"The move to Liverpool has gone well for me," said Calliste.
"I was shattered by what happened at Manchester United. It was a real blow when I was released, a shock to the system," he admitted.
"But when you get offered a chance like I have had, straight out of the blue, you take it. I grabbed it with both hands, it's a wonderful opportunity for me.
"I went on trial at first and it went well and I recall scoring on my debut in the reserves. That has got me a one-year contract and I aim to give it everything, it's a chance in a lifetime after what happened to me at United.
"I am absolutely determined not to let Liverpool down, they have taken a chance on me and I aim to repay them for that.
"Just to be training at the same place as the first team is tremendous for all of us. And I have found myself being one of the older lads, we've got 16-year-olds there who are outstanding and we have all been brought into the club at the same time."
Calliste had trials at several clubs during the summer, but he looked set for a move down the divisions before Liverpool's interest emerged.
YOUNG REDS HELP HONOUR THE HEYSEL 39Mark Platt 13 October 2005 The 39 victims of the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster were remembered on Wednesday afternoon when the youth teams of Liverpool and Juventus met in a poignant friendly game. In the...
Flynn said: "He is still only 19 and he has another two years with us. He's been at Manchester United and now at Liverpool, where he has raw talent that they are clearly working on.
"It is a great opportunity there for him and he is now producing good team play rather than just individual talent.
"He has pace, control and movement and the team play he is getting into his game is why he has improved."
