Eccleston reflects on mixed week

Nathan Eccleston admits he's endured a bittersweet week - but has backed Liverpool to bounce back from their Fulham disappointment by recording a Champions League victory over Lyon.

The 18-year-old made his Barclays Premier League debut as a late substitute on a frustrating afternoon in SW6 as the Reds went down 3-1 to the Cottagers and also had Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher sent off.
 
However, Eccleston is confident Rafa Benitez's charges can return to winning ways in the Champions League encounter with Lyon in France on Wednesday.
 
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a disappointing afternoon. I thought we'd dominated the first-half possession wise, but just couldn't find a breakthrough.
 
"Fernando took his goal well to get us back in the game, but the second-half was disappointing.
 
"We've got to try and pick ourselves up for Lyon now. The best thing about football is that you've always got another game to look forward to and try to improve. We need to go out there and show the fans we're together as a team and try to get the win.
 
"Lyon was always going to be an important game, but after a loss it is always important to bounce straight back. Getting the three points against Lyon is the best possible way of doing that."
 
It's been a week of mixed emotions for the teenager, who made his first-team debut in the Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday, before being handed his league bow at Craven Cottage.
 
While delighted to have gained some senior experience, Eccleston concedes the results have tempered his joy.
 
"Making my debut against Arsenal at the Emirates came as a bit of a surprise, but I was delighted the manager gave me the nod," he said.
 
"Obviously it wasn't a positive result, but it was good to make my first-team debut.
 
"Being involved again against Fulham was also good for me - but I'm disappointed we lost."
 
Eccleston's acknowledges his two cameo run outs for the first-team have opened his eyes to the demands of top level football - but he is ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead.
 
"There's a massive difference in first team football," he said. "The crowd are one of the main examples as we don't get these type of attendances at reserve games.
 
"Then there's the intensity of games, and the quality of players mean you've got to try and step your own game up.
 
"It can be difficult at times, but the Premier League is where everyone aspires to be and being in and around the first-team will make it easier for me."
 

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