Alex Inglethorpe has insisted that Joao Carlos Teixeira’s Liverpool career is far from over, despite the season-ending injury he suffered earlier this month while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion.
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The Portuguese starlet has had an otherwise positive year with the Championship strugglers, guiding them to safety and scoring six goals in 35 appearances – including an impressive brace against the high-flying Ipswich.
He made his Liverpool debut in February last year, coming on as a late substitute in the 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham, raising hopes and expectations among the Anfield faithful that he might be the next big thing.
Due to him already being 22, some fans have been left fearing that he may never get a shot at a regular Liverpool first-team spot. However, Rodgers moved to ease those fears when asked about the player earlier this year (via the Liverpool Echo), while Inglethorpe has now confirmed that nothing has changed.
He told our official website: “It was a real shame for everyone at the club when we heard the news that Joao had broken his leg. I’ve spoken to him and am happy to report he is feeling really positive.
“After the initial disappointment he has got his head around the fact that arguably if there was ever a good time to be injured, which of course there isn’t, then he accepts it’s probably now, because it means he has a greater chance of being available for the start of next season.
“He has played a significant number of Championship games and done ever so well during his loan spell with Brighton. As disappointed as he is and as disappointed as we all are for him, he is in a lot more positive frame of mind and he will be back stronger than ever.
“Joao has a real dedication to become better at what he wants to do. He has been at a really good club under a couple of very good managers in Sami Hyypia and Chris Hughton. I know a couple of the older pros at Brighton took him under their wing and he has had a lot of good influences around him this season.”
Despite the statements, with Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling, for examples, younger and way ahead in the pecking order, we think the playmaker’s chance of truly making the Anfield grade are slim.