Lewis Hatch admitted it was the words of Stanley boss Paul Cook which persuaded him to sign a one-year-deal for Accrington.

The 18-year-old had trials at Bolton and Wigan following his release after 12 years at Liverpool but it was League Two which tempted him.

"I had trials at Bolton and Wigan and they asked me to go back but I felt this was the right decision for me," said Hatch.

"It was the words of the gaffer that made a difference, I liked what he said and that’s why I chose to come here."

Now Hatch wants to go the way of several other former Liverpool academy players and make a name for himself with the Reds.

"I know Craig Lindfield used to play at Liverpool and Charlie Barnett but for me it’s a new start.

"I have been at Liverpool for 12 years and now I am looking forward to a new challenge.

"I had two operations on my hip and ankle when I was 16 or 17 but I came back last year and had a decent season.

"I used to play at centre-midfield but I was playing right back a lot last year for the under 18s and at reserve team level – I don’t mind where I play really."

Hatch isn’t one to go for glory as he admits his goal ratio is not one he brags about.

"I think I got one goal last season," he said. "But to be honest, I am more interested in stopping them. I was playing a lot more defensive last season and I will let others get the glory."

After only looking at Anfield fixtures for so long, he has now been checking out the Reds’ League Two adventure and, like many, will relish the Rochdale clashes.

He said: "My best friend, Joe Rafferty, he has just signed for Rochdale and so I can’t wait to come up against him.

"But I just want to get some games under my belt and hopefully earn a new contract.

"I have signed a one-year deal and then the option of another dependent on appearances and I want to do well here.

"It’s a young squad, it’s a different challenge as there are a lot of new faces but we are all looking forward to it."