RESERVES IN PROFILE: GARY MACKAY-STEVEN

As Gary Ablett's reserves prepare to start their title defence in Middlesbrough this evening, Liverpoolfc.tv brings you the first in a brand new series putting the spotlight on the club's young guns.

Today we're looking at Scottish winger Gary Mackay-Steven, who rose through the ranks at Ross County before impressing Anfield scouts while playing for Scotland in the European Under-17 Championships. The left-sider was quickly offered a place at the Academy, moving to Merseyside in the summer of 2007. "When I knew Liverpool were interested, this was the only place I wanted to be," says Mackay-Steven. "I had options to go for trials at other clubs but after seeing the facilities here I didn't go. "I obviously know about the tradition of Scottish players here and it's definitely something I want to emulate. Kenny Dalglish is one of the club's best ever players, so to follow in his footsteps wouldn't be bad!" Within a year, the youngster was deemed good enough for Melwood, heading down to West Derby in July alongside midfielder Steven Irwin. "I got a phone call as I was coming back from my holidays in Greece," says Mackay-Steven, who turned 18 on Sunday. "A guy from the Academy phoned but he couldn't get through to me as I dropped my phone down the toilet! I ended up getting a message from my house parents. "It is a big step up but I am relishing the opportunity. It's the place to be. "I learn things every day and it's going well so far. "To start with, when you are eating breakfast and they [the first team] are there, you do get starstruck but you get used to it. They are friendly, normal guys." If you weren't a footballer? I'd be in uni training to be a PE teacher. Whose name was on your shirt as a kid? I didn't support an English team as a kid, though I did like watching Arsenal. I had Ibrahimivic on the back of a Juventus shirt once, because I like skilful players. What's your ringtone? Make Love in this Club by Usher. Favourite food? Macaroni cheese. Film? The Bourne Ultimatum. Holiday destination? Mallorca. Favourite band? The Eagles. Three things you'd take to a desert island? My phone, my laptop and swimming shorts. TV show? Friends. Last book? Pele's autobiography. Who's the longest in the shower? Jordy Brouwer is longest in front of the mirror! Career highlight? Signing for Liverpool. After that it's representing Scotland Under-17s.