Tony Gallacher explains Liverpool exit

Former Liverpool full-back Tony Gallacher has explained why he felt the time was right to leave the Reds and forge a new path, with him joining St Johnstone earlier this week.

The 22-year-old full-back would have naturally been hoping to follow in the footsteps of countryman Andy Robertson and become a real star for the club but, of course, that is easier said than done and there is no shame in falling just a bit short of the massive standards required in L4.

Gallacher, then, felt the time was right to head down a new route to try and get more first-team football and he heads back to his native Scotland looking to do just that with St Johnstone.

Playing in the Scottish Premiership, he should pick up a great deal of experience coming up against some very good players on the weekly, and he revealed the reasons why he felt the time was right to move this month:

“I’m really excited about my move to St. Johnstone and can’t wait to get started," he said via the St Johnstone official website.

“I had a great time at Liverpool and I’d like to thank everyone there for looking after me and helping me to improve as a footballer and teach me so many good habits.

“I feel very lucky to have been part of a massive football club with so many wonderful professionals and people.

“It was an incredible education.

“But I felt the time was right to look for first-team football and an exciting opportunity presented itself at St. Johnstone.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

All you can say is fair play to Gallacher and good luck to him.

It must be hard for a young player to see that your dream of playing for a club like Liverpool, for the time being, isn't going to happen but he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and eager to make it work in Perthshire.

St Johnstone is a good club and the experience he will get there is going to be huge in helping him develop, make no mistake.