Sterry Cross The Mersey

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Just under a year ago, Jamie Sterry was stretchered off in the final of the Techflow Group Northumberland FA Senior Cup against Blyth Spartans at St. James' Park. He'd suffered an ankle ligament injury, needed an operation and, for a player who had already suffered more than his fair share of setbacks, it was another bitter blow.

But on Monday night, the 19-year-old was named on the bench for the first time in the Barclays Premier League as Newcastle travelled to Liverpool. And while the Magpies were ultimately beaten 2-0 on Merseyside, it was a night to remember for the Academy graduate.

Sterry joined United as a ten-year-old but suffered an untimely back injury which kept him out for nearly a year and almost cost him a scholarship with his boyhood Club. Then, having finally proven his fitness and broken into the under-21 side on a regular basis last term, came that heartbreaking moment against Blyth.

In the 48th minute, Spartans striker Robbie Dale accidentally landed on the youngster, ending his season and ruling him out for the first few months of the current campaign.

However, the Newcastle-born defender has returned better than ever and, after signing his first professional contract last month, John Carver named him among the substitutes at Anfield.

"I found out just before the game, when (Carver) announced the team," Sterry told nufc.co.uk.

"It was an unbelievable experience, especially after what I've been through with all the injuries, from walking out at Anfield as their fans sang 'You'll never walk alone' to warming up near our fans.

"It seems like everything is getting better for me. It was horrible, that moment at St. James' when I did my ankle. But everything's fitting together now.

"Sitting on the bench, you're itching to get on. Every time JC looked over, I was trying to make eye contact and stuff like that.

"I was nervous as well but it would have been a great game to play in, especially with it being at Anfield.

"You want to play in the best games and show what you can do - even if that could have meant marking Raheem Sterling!

"You could see on the night how good he is, cutting inside and finishing like he did, but you've got to play against the best to try and be the best."

An attack-minded right-back who also loves a tackle, Sterry was one the of the stars of last season's run to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup and, since recovering from his injury, he had been training with the first team for several weeks before he made the senior squad at Anfield.

"For the past three or four games, I've missed out but the experience has been unbelievable, especially getting on the bench on Monday night with my dad, Lee, and my girlfriend, Emily, having come down to watch," Sterry said.

"My family have given me so much support to help me get through the injuries and everything.

"It's been tough but I'm here now and I'm ready to push on again."

But it's likely to be a case of 'back to reality' for Sterry on Wednesday as the under-21s entertain Derby at St. James' Park (kick-off 7pm).

"I'd want to play," he said. "I want to keep gaining fitness, and I want to get a win.

"We've been struggling at under-21 level in recent weeks, as have the first team, so we both want to get a win soon."