A VALE of Clwyd footballer has graced the same pitch as the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firminho.

Former Ysgol Brynhyfryd pupil Charlie Caton, 19, was used as a late substitute during Shrewsbury Town's FA Cup visit to Anfield on Sunday to take on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Charlie has been a regular substitute for Shrewsbury in League One this season and he came off the bench in the 90th minute to sample the atmosphere.

His dad Colin, the manager of Cymru Premier League Bala Town, was a proud spectator at Anfield.

"It was great for Charlie because he has worked so hard for it," he said.

"Respect to Liverpool, it was a great day."

One of the FA Cup's greatest ever shocks was a possibility when Shrewsbury took the lead.

Daniel Udoh's opener had the visiting side in dream-land, but Liverpool responded in great fashion to eventually win the tie 4-1.

Two of the Reds' goals were scored by Fabinho.

Charlie has been a Shrewsbury substitute in close to 40 games during his career so far and Colin is happy with the way he is developing at the club.

"He's an apprentice and so any apprentice needs to learn his trade," he added.

"He's learned the trade as a forward.

"He's had to bulk himself up with his size.

"It's important he gets a good grounding in the game.

"There's been a bit of frustrated parents thinking their kids won't get a chance, but they have got to be good enough and they've got to be patient.

"Charlie's been on the bench for 18 months.

"He's still a better player now than when he went there.

"If it doesn't work out, he's a massively better player than when he went there."

Last summer, he signed a new two-year professional deal with the club.

The left footed player's career started out at Ruthin Rovers before signing for Wrexham's academy at the age of eight years old.

He then joined the Shrewsbury Academy as an U16 player and has swiftly progressed at the club and was the U18 side's top goal scorer in 2020, bagging more than 20 goals.

He has also represented Wales at various youth levels.

During the 2020/21 season, he was in and around the first team, training regularly with Steve Cotterill's side.

He made his debut in the 4-3 Papa John's Trophy win over Crewe Alexandra in November 2020 and, in April 2021, he made his Football League debut when he replaced Daniel Udoh for the last 13 minutes in Shrewsbury's 2-0 loss at home to Doncaster Rovers.