Goalkeeper Danny Ward insisted he was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet on his debut as he helped Liverpool to a 2-1 win away at Bournemouth.

The Welsh international was selected by Jürgen Klopp for his maiden appearance for the club as the Reds made 10 changes for the trip down to the South Coast on Sunday.

Despite those changes, goals from Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge inspired the away side to a comfortable enough Barclays Premier League victory.

However, Ward's confident display was not rewarded with a clean sheet - as Joshua King denied him a shut-out in the last minute of stoppage-time.

Though the 22-year-old impressed with a number of strong stops on the afternoon, he admitted that Bournemouth's late consolation was the only regret of an otherwise memorable day.

Ward disappointed despite debut victory 

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com shortly afterwards, Ward said that it was "special" for him and his family to make his first appearance for the first-team, but added: "I'm more disappointed that I didn't get a clean sheet at the end. That's what I'm there to do - keep the ball out of the net."

The shotstopper insisted that it was "disappointing" to concede, but said "overall" that he felt "quite confident out there" for his first appearance, explaining that the defenders in front of him "put in a real shift as well, which helped."

Ward was solid throughout and could do little to prevent Bournemouth's goal. (Picture: Getty Images)
Ward was solid throughout and could do little to prevent Bournemouth's goal. (Picture: Getty Images)

The Reds' No.52 said that the Cherries' forwards were "a handful" because they "are big strong boys and they have got a yard of pace as well."

He lauded his defenders for therefore doing "really well in controlling them" and "putting their bodies on the line when they had to" as well as defending "really well as a unit."

Ward: It's "special" that Reds can field so many youngsters and win

Goalscorer Firmino was the only one to keep his place from a dramatic Europa League victory over Borussia Dortmund last Thursday, with the Reds' starting eleven consisting of six Academy players at the Vitality Stadium.

With Sheyi Ojo, Connor Randall, Brad Smith and Kevin Stewart also in the line-up - Ward said he felt that the youngsters performed well against Eddie Howe's charges.

He declared that Klopp "sees us all every day and knows what we're about" and called the current crop "a hard-working bunch" which he said "goes for everyone, not just the young boys."

He added that it was "nice to see the young boys out there" and praised them for "performing the way they have and getting a win in the Premier League" - calling it "special to be able to make 10 changes and have so many young boys playing."

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.