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Gibson Aiming To Emulate Sevens Stars
Written by Newcastle Utd
Liam Gibson wants to follow in their footsteps of some household names who have starred at the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
The Hong Kong Football Club Citi Soccer Sevens has featured some now-famous names during its 17 years, and Newcastle United youngster Liam Gibson wants to follow in their footsteps.
Established household names like Gary Cahill, Marc Albrighton, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Jack Butland and Glen Johnson have all starred at the seven-a-side tournament in the Far East, as have current Magpies first-teamers Rolando Aarons and Paul Dummett.
And, as he prepares to make his debut in the competition when United kick-off their campaign against hosts Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday (4.14pm local time, 9.14am BST), Gibson is well aware of the platform it can provide
"I've never been here before but I had heard a few things from the lads before we came out," the full-back told nufc.co.uk.
"They told me that it's a great tournament but tough as well. They explained that we were really unlucky the last couple of years, so hopefully this year we can go one step further and win it.
"Also, I have found out that a lot of top players took part in this when they were younger, and if it's good enough for them then it's good enough for us.
"It shows what a great tournament it is and how it can really help you progress as a player.
"I was on the edge of the first team for a bit this season, so hopefully the experience of this tournament can help me push into the first team and show the manager what I can do."
The small-sided format should give Gibson plenty of opportunities to catch the eye of those in the Far East, and the teenager believes it will showcase his attacking style.
"Because of the pitch and how big it is, it make it very tough as there's only seven of you," he continued.
"But I think it will suit me as well. I'm a left-back but I love to get forward and with so much space out there, I've got plenty of room to run in to and hopefully I can help us at both ends of the pitch.
"It's tough out here because it is so humid and that makes it very difficult to train in. We had our first bit of rain (on Friday morning) and I loved that. We needed it!
"But once you get used to the conditions and break through that barrier it should become a lot easier, so hopefully we won't have any problems during the matches."