Pilling recalls: “Even though it wasn’t a competitive game, just the feeling of being at Anfield, being around the fans, warming up, sitting on the bench behind the coaches, listening, getting an insight into what the first-team players listen to before the game, how people are moving about before the game, what they’re doing.
“To actually come on, I had a good 25 minutes too, it was just a moment to express myself, to show what I can do.
“I was nervous before the game but warming up and stuff, it just felt natural. When the gaffer said, ‘You’re coming on’, I was just focused and happy.”
Pilling’s development hit another encouraging milestone last month when he was part of the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup tie with Southampton.
Such an opportunity came about after frequent invitations to pop over to the senior side of the AXA Training Centre and take part in sessions.
“I think in the first two or three times I was nervous,” he admits. “But then you just sort of get used to the lads and how they are, the different personalities.
“But it’s no different, you’re playing football, you’re enjoying yourself. It’s very good.”
