Jack Hinshelwood says the support from his family and James Milner has played a massive part in his stunning start to life as a Premier League player.
The 18-year-old from Worthing, who has been part of our academy since the age of seven, made his first top-flight start in September and has since gone on to score twice in nine Premier League appearances.
He also shone on his first European start as we beat AEK Athens 1-0 away from home, but instead of basking in his own glory Jack has put all the praise onto our most experienced player and his family.
Jack said, “Milly has been great ever since he’s come in. I think he just provides so much experience and knows the situations we are going through because he’s been through them all before.
“It’s great to have him, Lallana, Welbeck… all of our senior players are great. Me and Milly play similar positions so I’m learning from him every day – the way he trains, the standards around everything – means I pick up so much from him.
“He notices the little details and gives great advice, whether that’s in games or training. I wore a snood out to training once and he asked me why I had it on, saying he didn’t have me down as that kind of guy. I thought, ‘yeah, you’re probably right’ and I haven’t worn a snood since! It’s little things like that. He’s great for the group and me.
“I’d be delighted to have a career like his. Even if I can half of the career he has had, I’d be over the moon.”
While Jack is getting the support he needs from James and his teammates, he also praised his family and thanked them for the role they’ve played during his time coming through the ranks and now as a professional player.
“My family is great at not putting pressure on me.” said Jack. “My dad, great uncle, uncle, great granddad and granddad all played professional football but it’s never been about me being the next one coming through.
“They have always just wanted me to go out there and enjoy it. Since a young age I have loved playing football and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. But there has never been pressure on me to make it.
“Dad has always been great. He will always pick up on things I could have done better – even after I scored against Brentford and Spurs – but he is always honest and he just wants the best for me.”