Ben Herd / Ben Herd / 16 March 2010 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

A disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bradford City was Aldershot's fate last Saturday. But at the end of the match our man Ben Herd got a chance to chat to their left-back Robbie Threlfall, on loan from Liverpool.

"I believe that it is absolutely vital for a club like Liverpool to bring local lads through into the first team. The likes of Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen were really the last "local" lads to establish themselves not only with Liverpool, but also England. Football has changed since those players came through, and the game is far more global than it was, but I feel that Liverpool shouldn't lose its local identity by not having any scousers in the first team."

Another frustrating week for us down here at Aldershot as we lost our weekend fixture 2-1 away at Bradford. We seemed to dominate the opening exchanges and even took the lead through Anthony Straker, only for us to be hit by two very good Bradford goals. We then dominated the second half on what was a truly terrible pitch, but couldn't find a valuable second goal. Once again, results seemed to be kind to us and we are still hovering just outside the play-off places. This week's player for betting.betfair.com is Robbie Threlfall. Robbie is currently on loan at Bradford from Liverpool. The left-back has managed to win the FA Youth Cup on two occasions whilst in Liverpool's famous Academy. Here is what he had to say:

So Robbie, what did you make of today's game?

I felt that it was quite a good game, Aldershot started off the brighter of the two sides and knocked the ball around quite comfortably and took the lead through a decent goal. The goal knocked us a little bit but we managed to peg Aldershot back with a goal on the break and then not too long after the first, we managed to score a second, again against the run of play. The second half was a good test of character for us, as we had to withstand heavy pressure for long periods. Aldershot should perhaps have equalised, but your right winger spurned a chance that will probably go down as miss of the season.

How did the move to Bradford come about and how well have you settled in to your new club?

I had previously been on loan at Northampton earlier on in the season, where we played against Peter Taylor's Wycombe Wanderers. Fortunately for me, I had a pretty decent game and Peter Taylor obviously liked what he saw. I was just sitting in the Liverpool reserves, so it was a win-win situation. As for settling in, the lads have been really good with me and I am also enjoying the training sessions Peter Taylor has been putting on.

You have been at Liverpool since the age of 11, have you given yourself a time limit to force your way into the first team?

Like you say, I have been at the club since I was a boy, so the club has been a pivotal role in my life since a young age. I have only until the end of the season remaining on my current deal, and with no indication on whether it will be extended, it really is up in the air at the minute. After winning the FA Youth Cups a couple of years ago, I really thought my next step would be to force myself into the manager's plans. The thing with Liverpool though is that they are a world class club and most of the players are of the same standing, so for any young player to get a few games is always difficult.

Gordon Taylor, the PFA chief, has openly criticised Rafa Benitez's reluctance to put his faith in more local players from the club's successful FA Youth cup teams. How important is it for a club like Liverpool to keep its history and tradition of bringing local players through?

I believe that it is absolutely vital for a club like Liverpool to bring local lads through into the first team. The likes of Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen were really the last "local" lads to establish themselves not only with Liverpool, but also England. Football has changed since those players came through, and the game is far more global than it was, but I feel that Liverpool shouldn't lose its local identity by not having any scousers in the first team. I think that the fans want to relate to players, kind of know where they are from and identify with them. Local lads also really understand the traditions and passion that is synonymous with Liverpool.

Finally, what sort of targets do you have for the next five years?

The immediate future is very much uncertain at the moment, I am currently playing at Bradford and this is very important for me to keep playing as many games as possible and build up my experience. Within five years, I want to be playing in the Premier League. It is a very thin line between making it in the Premier League and not making it, but the one thing being at Liverpool for all these years has taught me, is that you have to believe in your ability and keep working hard. If you do, you have a better chance of getting your rewards.

Football

Favourite Premier League Player? Steven Gerrard
Favourite player outside the Premier League? Xavi
Manager you'd most like to work under? Jose Mourinho
Club you'd most like to play for? Barcelona

Best mate in Football? Stephen Darby
Messiest eater? Everyone at Liverpool says Me!
Biggest ladies man? Craig Lindfield
Worse Dressed team-mate? Stephen Darby

Non-football

Dream date? Cheryl Cole - She's available!
Favourite TV programme? Entourage
Favourite shop? Abercrombie & Fitch
Worst vice? Buying Golf gear off Ebay!
Biggest pet hate? People that turn up late!

50/50

Chinese or Curry? Chinese
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
BMW or Audi? BMW
Pro Evo or Fifa? Fifa
Michael Buble or Akon? Michael Buble

Tags: Aldershot FC, Ben Herd, Jamie Carragher, League Two football, League Two players, Robbie Threlfall, Steven Gerard