Downes: Gerrard is My Role Model - Ipswich Town News

Town teenager Flynn Downes, who has broken into the senior squad in a big way this season, admits his inspiration to succeed has come from studying former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard.

Downes, 18 and set to clock up his fifth first team appearance in tomorrow’s Caribao Cup second round tie at Crystal Palace, said: "Gerrard was the main one I looked at. He was unbelievable and he’s the player I want to be — box to box, scores goals, gets back in and helps the team out. He’s my role model really.”

Asked to describe himself as a player, Downes added: "I like to do everything really. I like to put my tackles in and I like to get forward so I would say I am a box-to-box midfielder. The one thing I’m trying to add to my game is goals.”

But although he is a new face in manager Mick McCarthy’s squad the youngster has been part of the club’s academy set-up since first being spotted at the age of seven, an experience he will never forget.

"It has been an unbelievable experience,” he recalled. "It all started when I was playing for my local team, Ongar, and I remember there was an Ipswich scout watching us. I got injured in the game, which we lost, and I walked off crying.

"The scout came over and gave me his card. At the time I didn’t believe it but after that I came to the club, had a trial and it has kicked on from there.”

Gerrard in action for England in the 3-1 victory over Croatia at Portman Road in August 2003

His big breakthrough came earlier this month when fellow 18-year-old Andre Dozzell went down injured just before half-time in the opening-day win over Birmingham City and McCarthy decided Downes would come off the bench as his replacement.

Downes added: "The gaffer said ‘Go and get warm, do a few sprints’ and I was a bit nervous. It was really unfortunate for Doz but it was unbelievable to get on. I was really nervous — I’m not going to lie — and when I was doing my warm-up my heart was going, everything. It was crazy.

"To get on felt a bit mad but the gaffer told me I was good enough to be on there. He told me to believe in my ability and show what I could do. I had a few touches before half-time and it’s always good to do that early. It helps to get the confidence up and to settle into the game. All the family were there, loving it.

"The gaffer has been great with me. He has given me my chance and I couldn’t ask for anything more. He trusts my ability and he is giving me a great opportunity, not just to play football but in a league as good as the Championship.

"It was really horrible for Andre that day. He picked up a serious injury and will be out for the season. I just hope he makes as speedy a recovery as he can. He’s got to stay positive, hasn’t he? Get in the gym and work hard, and hopefully he’ll be back as good as new.”

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