Making your senior debut after coming through the ranks of a club's academy is the stuff of dreams for any aspiring footballer. After all, many talents will depart without getting a chance in the first team.
That thought likely crossed the mind of Shamal George. Having grown up in Liverpool across the River Mersey, he joined the Reds at eight years old after initially being on trial at Tranmere. And after playing for the under-18 and under-21 sides, he was given the opportunity to come on in a pre-season friendly back in July 2016 against Huddersfield Town.
However, as he received instructions from Jurgen Klopp, one of Liverpool's greatest ever managers, George realised that his debut was going to be particularly unusual. A goalkeeper for his entire career, the youngster was told he'd be playing as a forward.
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George on Playing Up Front for Liverpool in Friendly
Goalkeeper Shamal George playing up front for Liverpool
7/20/2016 - Goal Keeper Shamal George played up front for Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match at John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield. (Photo by PA Images/Sipa USA)
Making the trip to Kirklees Stadium, George once again found himself named on the bench where he'd watched most of the club's pre-season action. But an opportunity arose on the hour mark, as Lucas Leiva went down injured.
The Brazilian, unable to continue, indicated that a change needed to be made, but Klopp had already brought on all of Liverpool's outfield substitutes. However, after organising the team to play a 10-man system, his backroom staff pointed out that it could be an opportunity for back-up goalkeeper George to get some minutes.
"They told me from the bench after I'd organised the system with 10 [men] and they said, 'Come on, we have Shamal'."
While it's not uncommon to see outfield players go in goal, it's rare to see the opposite happen. But despite playing alongside striker Danny Ings in unfamiliar territory, it was nearly a day to remember for the young shot-stopper. He nearly assisted Lazar Markovic, before then seeing a goal ruled out for offside.
There was also fury from the stand when George wasn't allowed to take a late penalty, as Alberto Moreno stepped up to convert and seal a 2-0 win. Nevertheless, he still remembers that night in vivid detail.
"I get reminded about that night a lot," he told The Athletic. "My dream was actually to play in goal for Liverpool, not as a striker.
"When Lucas got injured, Jurgen just turned to me and told me to get ready. At first, I thought he was joking, so I just sat there. Then he turned around again a couple of minutes later and was like: ‘What are you doing? You’re coming on. Get ready!’
"I was blowing out of my ass after five minutes. I remember Loris Karius kicking the ball towards me and it hit me square in the face. My lip was bleeding and Loris was laughing at me.
"I was through on goal at one point but I was gutted the assistant flagged for offside. I had a few good touches and a few bad ones. I went to America with the squad for the pre-season tour straight after the game at Huddersfield. That was another brilliant experience I’ll never forget.”
George's Career Since Liverpool
St Mirren's Shamal George celebrates a goal in the Scottish League Cup Final
Scottish League Cup Final - St Mirren v Celtic - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - December 14, 2025 St Mirren's Shamal George celebrates after Marcus Fraser scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
That day in Huddersfield, unfortunately for George, was not the start of a new career as a striker, nor was it a sign of things to come at Anfield. Loan spells at Carlisle, Tranmere and Marine FC would follow for the goalkeeper, before he was eventually allowed to leave Liverpool in 2020 for Colchester United.
After winning Player of the Year at the League Two club, he earned himself a move to Scottish Premiership club Livingston. But his second year at the club was mired with personal struggles, as George's mum was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I just wasn’t bothered about football at that time," he said. "I didn’t want to play, but my mum insisted I kept playing. My mind was elsewhere most days. She was having chemotherapy and I was stuck four hours away.
Signing for Wycombe Wanderers in August 2024, George then suffered a terrible groin injury during an FA Cup third-round victory against Portsmouth, where his muscle came off the bone. Having made a full recovery, a loan back to Scotland beckoned, with him joining St Mirren on loan for 2025/26.
So far, it's been an excellent season for the 27-year-old. With 21 appearances in all competitions, he played a vital part in the club's 3-1 victory against Celtic in the League Cup final. Having lost his grandfather, Bill, last month, he was overcome with emotion following the final whistle, celebrating the triumph with his mum and family who were in attendance.
He said: "My dad, mum, sister, little nephew, fiancee Anna and two close friends were all there. I wish my grandad could have been there too but I know he was looking over me and I know he will have been proud."