Source: Liverpool_Echo
Alberto Aquilani makes debut for Liverpool FC in reserves victory over Sunderland
AMID all the doom and gloom, there was a chink of light for Liverpool at Prenton Park last night.[LNB]Some 75 days after Alberto Aquilani put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Anfield he finally pulled on a red shirt.[LNB]The Italian international, bought for £18million from Roma back in August, enjoyed an encouraging 15-minute cameo. [LNB]Among those who came to see the 25-year-old take his bow was co-owner George Gillett. The American was clearly intrigued to see where Rafa Benitez had invested the lion's share of his summer transfer kitty. [LNB]And with a couple of classy touches and a quick turn of pace there were certainly signs of promise. [LNB]It was the first time Aquilani had kicked a ball in anger since March and it marked the end of a lengthy rehabilitation process following ankle surgery in May. [LNB]The player Roma fans nicknamed 'The Little Prince' hopes those problems are now firmly behind him and is desperate to help rescue a season which after four straight defeats is in serious danger of falling apart.[LNB]"I am so happy because I haven't played for a long time," Aquilani said. "It was only 15 minutes but it was very important for me and for my confidence. [LNB]"Training is okay but to play a game is better. I hope I will play at Anfield very soon but it's important that my fitness is right. [LNB]"I'm here for five years and when I start playing I don't want to stop. The fans want to see me play and I want to play but the staff will ensure I don't play for the first team until they think I'm ready."
