Callum Lang, a boyhood Evertonian, has dreamed of scoring against Liverpool since he was young. He now has the chance in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Liverpool-born youngster is currently playing for League One side Shrewsbury Town, on loan from Wigan Athletic.
The striker came through the ranks at arch-rivals Liverpool before moving to Wigan in 2013.
Before joining Salop, the youngster had successful loan spells with both Morecambe and Oldham Athletic – scoring 23 goals collectively.
Unfortunately, Lang has had his battles with injuries this season, but now back fit, will be hoping to help the Shrews cause an FA Cup upset and fulfil his childhood dream in the process.
“Since I was a little boy, I’ve always had dreams of scoring against Liverpool.”
“It was added motivation [a potential clash against Liverpool] and with how well we played in the first leg against Bristol, we were confident going into the home game.
“Now I have the opportunity to play against them, it’s a special feeling and I can hopefully go and enjoy the occasion.”
On Liverpool’s route to the FA Cup fourth round, Jurgen Klopp’s massively inexperienced side knocked out neighbours Everton, in an embarrassing night for the Toffees.
Lang was in attendance at Anfield to watch what he described as “a frustrating day for all Everton fans.”
“We had a few chances early on in the game which we couldn’t take then it was just like we couldn’t find any rhythm.
“I think the main concern from the Everton fans was the lack of desire to win the game and effort from the team.”
Although deflated, Lang concurred: “Fair play to the young lads who were playing for Liverpool, they all seemed to want it more and deserved the win.”
After Shrewsbury’s 89th minute winner against Bristol City, courtesy of Aaron Pierre, the New Meadow erupted, and a pitch invasion ensued. The 21-year-old said: “It was class after the final whistle, the changing room was buzzing.”
After the match, it was confirmed that Shrewsbury would host Liverpool.
Lang took to Twitter and Instagram to express his excitement to seek redemption:
Shrewsbury’s number nine is relishing the opportunity against the Reds. He said: “It’s an exciting moment to have the chance to play against a Premier League side but the Bristol game was still massive for us and we didn’t want to look past that.”
Lang remains confident for Shrewsbury’s date with destiny on Sunday against the European champions.
“We played good football [against Bristol City] so we will be hoping for more of the same and see where it can take us but we’re going to give everything when it comes to game day.
“When we go out to play them on Sunday, every single player wants to come off the pitch with a win and it’s a massive opportunity for the club and the fans to create a special moment.”
All images are courtesy of Callum Lang’s Instagram.
