Liverpool's Joe Gomez says he is delighted to have been involved in as much first-team action as he has so far, but admits he may have to take a back seat over the coming months as he continues his development.
Gomez – who was named among Gareth Southgate’s England Under-21s squad to take on Kazakhstan – has impressed during the early stages of his Anfield career.
England v Kazakhstan
UEFA European U21 Championship
Group 9 Qualifier
5.45pm, Tuesday 13 October 2015
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Live on BT Sport 1
Tickets: 02476 786411
"It's been a great experience for me getting the game time," he said.
"I've learned a lot already and I'm looking to keep on working.
"I had aspirations to come in and be involved and try and have an impact but I knew with me being young that I might not get the chances straight away and might also have to bide my time."
The 18-year-old played in the Reds’ first five Premier League matches of the season.
Joe Gomez in action for Liverpool at Arsenal
However, a switch to three centre-backs meant he dropped out of the side for the games against Norwich City and Aston Villa.
But he started in the Europa League opener in Bordeaux and is expected to do so against Sion at Anfield on Thursday which is something he is more than happy to do.
"It was a bonus to start the first few games of the season," he added.
"It's just good to be in an environment like this, learning from top quality players every day.
“It's just good to be in an environment like this, learning from top quality players every day”
Joe Gomez England Under-21s and Liverpool
"The Europa League is a massive competition and we want to do as well as we can in it. It's a massive game and another chance for a win."
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers named a young team in south-west France and plans to use the competition to give some academy graduates a chance to impress.
And one of those academy graduates who has already made an impression on the first team is England Under-19s midfielder Jordan Rossiter.
"He's a young player that is developing well. He has a strong personality," said Rodgers.
"He and the other young guys did very well in the last game.
"He'll be in contention again for the game [against Sion]."
Tickets for England Under-21s v Kazakhstan at the Ricoh Arena are on sale now and cost just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Click here or call 024 7678 6411 to purchase tickets.
